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“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken,” Jeremiah 6:16-17.

Rev Samuel Fitton, minister of Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church, preached upon the verse 16 at both services on the Lord’s Day past. He has chosen it as the motto text for the new year. His exposition was most instructive and I commend both messages. The messages may be viewed here and here. There was a problem with the sound in the evening broadcast but it was restored before the preaching begins, so simply fast forward to about 30 minutes into the recording.

Companion

This text has been a long time companion of mine from when I first encountered it. It took on greater importance for me when in my first year in the Free Presbyterian Theological Hall, Dr Bert Cooke said with his unique way of emphasising a truth, ‘Jeremiah is the book for today!’

I was moved to study it closely during my three month stay in the Crumlin Road Jail, back sixty years ago in 1966. I have seen repeatedly and increasingly the truth of Dr Cooke’s words as the years have passed and the apostasy has deepened and impacted upon those who foolishly have seen fit to try and narrow the gap between the apostasy and the Lord’s separated witness!

Whispered

The response of the disobedient and defiant, recorded twice here — “We will not walk therein . . .  We will not hearken”  — may be heard whispered amongst our ranks. That is alarming and frightening for any who believe what the Lord says in the verses that follow our text!

Please consider . . .

I. THE COMMAND OF GOD PLAINLY GIVEN.

“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths . . .”

These words carry all the authority of heaven! They are not the product of Jeremiah’s mind or heart, though of course he was in complete agreement with what is said by the Lord. No, this was a divine directive to a confused and deceived people in need of direction. (more…)