Ancient Words

These words have come up frequently in the last few weeks: ancient words. And the Lord has been impressing me with how far believers here in the United States have drifted from His Word, the ancient words the ancient ways are founded upon.

The guiding verses of my life right now are found in Isaiah 58:11–12 NASB. “And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell.” (The emphasis is mine.)

The 12th verse was added recently when I was praying for specific direction in a couple of matters close to my heart. I did a word search on the word ancient, wanting to understand better what the Lord seemed to be telling me.

In Proverbs, twice we’re told not to move the ancient landmarks that our fathers have set (see 22:28; 23:10). The Hebrew word used here means “long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world

1. ancient time, long time (of past)
2. (of future)
1. for ever, always
2. continuous existence, perpetual
3. everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity.” (Strong’s Concordance)

In context it’s talking about the Word of God, the ways God had set down for His people since the beginning of time.

Isaiah uses the words ancient or age-old several times throughout his messages and prophecies. Almost always referring to God’s people from ancient times and the words He gave them to live by.

Jeremiah’s message to Judah was this: Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” (Jeremiah 6:16) It was a call to God’s people to return to His ways; it was the only way to find the rest they so desperately needed. But they refused. And before too long they were sent into exile in Babylon.

I’ve seen this happening in our own country. Christians are mocked and ridiculed if they claim to believe the Bible, especially if they believe that every word is inspired of God. Too many, even among believers, reject the ancient scriptures, saying it isn’t relevant to our world today. Very few are willing to stand up and walk according to its “limiting” principles. The whole counsel of God is taught in fewer and fewer churches. People want to hear something that’s going to make them feel good about themselves and their lifestyles of comfort and ease. They question how a loving God could possibly bring judgment on His people.

But that doesn’t excuse their sinful behavior. The “ancient words” are still alive and apropos to today’s world. I’ve proved it, taking God at His Word when He caused the psalmist to write: Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:19–20, emphasis mine)

It was these ancient words that brought me out of depression’s vile pit. It was these words that saved me from the punishment of hell because of my sin. It’s these words that continue to guide my day-to-day walk with my Lord. I can’t in good conscience accept some of the words as true and reject others just because it is comfortable or convenient.

God isn’t comfortable and convenient. He is holy and just, as well as loving. We think we can put God on a level that we can understand, but scripture tells us otherwise. We can never comprehend “the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33–36)

As for me, I will continue to proclaim the “ancient ways.” It isn’t the easy path, but it certainly is the most rewarding . . . and peaceful. They truly are for all mankind in all ages and for eternity.

I found this video in one of the online devotionals I subscribe to. Yet another reminder of the “ancient words.”