Search for the Ancient Order

Search for the Ancient Order

Jeremiah 6:16

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�?.

The call for us is to search intently for God’s direction. Let’s look at 3 ways to do this:

1. It takes action Exodus 19:1-8

In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt–on the very day–they came to the Desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel:’You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.”

A few days ago I was exhausted and had to lie down for about 20 minutes. After about 10 minutes my little dog, Christmas, began to bark unceasingly. After trying to ignore the barking, it became painfully obvious that she would not stop unless someone let her in the house. My kids were playing outside only about 10 feet from the barking dog and the door that would end her tirade. Unfortunately for me, they did not think it so important and so let the dog bark. Jumping up from the couch, less than inspired, I proceeded to yell at the kids and the dog to, “Give me some quiet! And why couldn’t you just let the dog in?�? My kids humbly replied, “We didn’t hear her.�? In disbelief, I chastised them for not just doing something that was as simple as opening the door. I apologized later and although they felt badly about disappointing dad, what was the issue? It takes action to get things done.

Look at the scripture here- clearly they were called to be a people of action! v. 2 set out, entered, camped, v. 3 went up, v. 7 went back, summoned elders & set before them, v. 8 people responded saying we will do-God’s people were a people of action. They were on the move following God in his ever-moving cloud where he resided and led them from. And so with us who are part of the Lord’s church- how do we need to live? We are to live the same way- examine the following scriptures:

A. Disciples forcefully lay hold-

Matthew 11:11-12 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

B. Disciples make- Matthew 28:18-20 &

Luke 22:8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

C. Disciples respond- Acts 2:41 &

Acts 16:13-15 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

D. Disciples have power-

1 Corinthians 4:18-20 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

How do we do this? Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Lay down your life for the Lord and for others-lay on the altar- freely of your own choice- if someone is holding you down, that isn’t the heart God is searching for. It says OFFER-”Sunday Christianity�? is dead and lifeless. There is no power in looking good and showing up, rather, there is power in personal sacrifice to God. As we lay our bodies on the altar, we are surrendering our will to God’s, allowing his Spirit to direct us rather than our sinful nature. Which nature are you feeding? The one you feed will grow and direct your steps. As we lay down our lives daily we are imitating our Lord and worshiping as he did. We have to get our strength as Jesus did in John 4:34 “My food�?, said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.�? Jesus was sustained by God as he laid down his life for others. We have the same incredible opportunity!

2. Be Ready- Prepare Yourselves Exodus 19:10-15

And the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. He shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on him. Whether man or animal, he shall not be permitted to live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they go up to the mountain.�? After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day�?.

We are to be holy- we are called to be a holy nation, a royal priesthood, the called out, the bride of Christ- starkly different from the world and from lukewarm Christianity. See

2Corinthians 6:14-7:1. Are you separate from the world? Do you resemble Jesus or this world? Disciples of Jesus are not anemic weak willed people without conviction, but a people who honor God with everything they have- not perfect, but prepared to walk with him. Are you ready?

3. Hear the Trumpet Blow Exodus 19:16-20

On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain.

What an intense display of God’s power! Are you paying attention to God?

In your prayersà are you listening? In your lifeà are you listening? In your marriageà are you listening? In your familiesà are you listening?

Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Imitate the heart of the early disciples- how often do we join together and simply pray. I have appreciated several times with the Hamblins & Chloupeks where we just spent 30 minutes praying. It is moving to hear others pray and it changes me. It helps me see their hearts, hear their struggles and understand their relationship with God. They will also know me better. Listen- when a person cannot really pray, they are far from God and must be challenged to radically come back to God with power. We have to love each other enough to listen.

Many times over the years, I have found myself powerless to overcome sin or see victories. I have gotten frustrated and seemed to drift further and further from the Lord. As I trusted more in man, the frustration simply grew. So many times have I had to fall back on the prayer of Jesus in the garden when he surrendered everything- not just anything. We see Jesus praying so often, it is no wonder he had such an incredible confidence, drive, impact and power! Check your heart on this- are you really praying and connecting with God? Are your prayers being answered? Are you praying constantly and with faith? I am reminded of Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Luke 18:8 “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?�? Only when I am pouring out my heart in prayer do I find the power of God to overcome.

He is trying to get you to see clearly- to hear him. So often my whole Sunday lesson simply comes to me while out praying. Then I write- then I can think clearly. Let’s learn the lessons- Are you listening to the blowing trumpet? God hasn’t stopped talking, teaching, reaching out to us- He is the Lord and he is dying to see you and I truly search for the ancient order. Today as we go out, let us joyfully obey and be men and women who search for the ancient order as it says in Jeremiah 6:16 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�?.

He stoops down to make us great,

Matt Sullivan