This is what the LORD says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
JEREMIAH 6:16

If the book of Proverbs has been telling us anything, it is that there is a good way to walk in, that promises rest for your soul. But sadly, this verse ends with, “but you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” The people of Jeremiah’s day turned God’s offer down.

Jesus recognized the two paths that Jeremiah mentions, and while urging his listeners to enter by the narrow gate that leads to life, he makes it clear that the broad road that leads to destruction is filled with hopeful travelers unaware of their destination.

CS Lewis commented on these two kinds of life that are opposed to each other.

“The natural life in each of us is something self-centered, something that wants to be petted and admired, to take advantage of other lives, to exploit the whole universe. And especially it wants to be left to itself: to keep well away from anything better or stronger or higher than it, anything that might make it feel small. It is afraid of the light and air of the spiritual world, just as people who have been brought up to be dirty are afraid of a bath. And in this sense it is quite right. It knows that if the spiritual life gets hold of it. All its self-centeredness and self-will are going to be killed and it is ready to fight tooth and nail to avoid that.

Why would we stubbornly choose a way that leads to death, when there is an alternative that leads to life? Jesus has the best of all invitations.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
MATTHEW 11:28-30

Be praying that as Rob Lister preaches on life and death from the book of Proverbs this Sunday, the path that leads to life will shine brightly in our hearts and minds, and that as we stand at the crossroads, God’s way will be irresistible.