In Jeremiah, chapter six, verses one through thirty, is a chapter that describes the great destruction soon to be inflicted upon Jerusalem and its impenitent people; this word was fulfilled in Jeremiah’s lifetime. Jeremiah both warned Judah and Jerusalem, calling them to repentance. If the people would only turn to God and renew their covenant with Him, they would have an opportunity to escape ruin. Jeremiah’s constant plea was rebuffed scornfully; this judgment was imminent. In verse three, “The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.”The Babylonian commanders are compared to shepherds and their troops to flocks who would lay bare the land.
In verse fourteen, “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” The false prophets were preaching a message of false security; instead of warning the people of coming judgment and the need to repent, they told them there was nothing to fear.
In verse sixteen, “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.” God’s people had strayed from the way of righteousness into idolatry and wickedness, and he called them back to the former paths of the covenant and the Law of Moses.
Likewise, the church must examine itself to see if it has strayed from the path of the Spirit’s power and the righteousness proclaimed in the New Testament. The full blessing of God will be enjoyed only by those who ask, seek, and knock for His best, as in Luke eleven, verses five through thirteen, and who are committed to live according to the pattern set forth in the New Testament.