The LORD (YAHWEH) said to His people, “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths where the best road is. Walk on it, and you will live in peace.” (Jer. 6:16 Good News Bible)

The ancient paths are the best paths to walk on, for they are paths which lead to a peaceful destination. But the Word also guarantees that you will live in peace just by walking on those paths. In other words, these ancient ways are a peaceful destination in themselves. Walk on it, and you will live in peace. Walking speaks of progress. You don’t get on a road to stand still. You get onto it for the specific purpose of reaching its end destination.

What are these ancient good ways which YAHWEH commands His people to walk in? I think that it can be summed up in one word – obedience. Obedience to what? To His precepts, statutes, laws, commands, ways, judgements, instructions and teachings. In other words, obedience to the principles which He has laid down in His Word. The person who obeys God in every area of his life, in relationships, attitudes, finance, healthy living in mind and body, upbringing of children etc. will experience the peace of God, which passes all understanding. Such a person is walking on the ancient ways and that is why he is living in peace.

Paul said; Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Phil. 4:9)

But it is important to understand that our obedience does not earn salvation. Yahshua (Jesus) has already fully earned that for us through His obedience. His death and resurrection on our behalf brought us into a relationship with Father God. Now our willing obedience is an act of love, it is not therefore keeping a set of rules, which simply amounts to dead religion. No! Through our obedience we are responding to His love for us, and thereby proving our love for Him. The result is that our relationship with Him improves and becomes more intimate. This is what Yahshua meant when He said; If you love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

Obedience is for our own good. It is the source of His blessings. Obeying the Word of God is the secret to experiencing the abundant blessings, which He has made available in the Anointed One (Christ). (Gal.3:13, Deut.6 & 28) It is impossible for any person to enjoy His blessings and therefore His peace when he disobeys or neglects God’s Word.

Blessed are the undefiled in the (ancient) way, Who walk in the law of YAHWEH. Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity; they walk in his ways. You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Oh that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments. I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. I will keep Your statutes; Oh do not forsake me utterly! Psalm 119:1-8