"Making New Paths"
There is much to learn by way of example. By Abraham we gain a greater understanding of faith. By Job we have a clear insight with regard to patience. By the Israelite nation we are made to understand rebellion and its consequences. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (1 Cor. 10:11). Several hundred years following the wanderings of this nation, they were warned by God of their backsliden condition. God through Jeremiah the prophet called for their return, (Jer. 3:12) but they would not repent. Again Jehovah called out, "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 their answer echoed back, "We will not walk therein." (Jer. 6:16) I believe it of great importance to call to our attention once more the need and use of such examples. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Rom. 15:4)
From the very beginning of time, making new paths has given rise to unhappy consequences. Adam and Eve, Cain, Nadab and Abihu, Uzzah and many others too numerous to mention sought new avenues — each leading to destruction. Men continue to blindly plunge into new paths today, refusing that which is safe and sure, God's paths. "Shew me thy ways, 0 Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." (Ps. 25:45) In matters of faith and practice we must recognize God's paths, His teaching or authority, to be sufficient. Our lack of respect for such dominion provokes flagrant departures from His divine will. It might also be said that departure allowable from part of God's authority would make permissible violations of any or all God's word. Certainly we are not allowed to SELECT only those dictates of the Father which meet OUR approval! Should departure be permissible in the organization of the church, consistency would demand permissible departure in name. Should departure he allowable in the work of the church, consistency would demand allowable departure in worship. What is the stopping point? Our answer is this: the stopping point is the starting point, for NO such departures from God's holy truth are accepted of the Father! God has always demanded of His people complete submission to His dictates; we may expect the same attitude today as inspiration tells us, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:8-9).
Yes, we can learn much from the Israelite nation, but examples never serve their purpose unless heeded. Let us hope we shall not rebel against the paths of the Lord, but rather shall say as the psalmist David, "Shew me thy ways, 0 Lord; teach me thy paths." Then let us "stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein."