Guideposts for Wandering Souls
Text: Jeremiah 31:1-25
“Set up road markers for yourself; make yourself guideposts; consider well the highway, the road by which you went.” —Jeremiah 31:21
In ancient times, long before maps and GPS devices, when travelers had to traverse unknown territories they would leave behind some form of markers that would help them find their way back again. These waymarks, often in the form of roughhewn wooden posts or piles of stones, not only helped travelers retrace their steps, but they would also serve as reliable guideposts for those who were to come along after them.
In Jeremiah 31, Israel had been unfaithful to God and was falling into the hand of their enemies. For this disobedience they would be exiled from the homeland and scattered to other nations. Yet in the midst of this sad saga of defeat, God promised to one day bring the people back to their land. As they were being exiled they were instructed to set up “guideposts” along the way to point the way back home (Jeremiah 31:21).
This passage reveals the goodness of our heavenly Father—for in the same breath that He speaks punishment for Israel’s transgressions He is also speaking restoration for their future. God’s discipline attests to His love: “For the Lord disciplines those He loves” (Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:6). His discipline always includes a process of correction and restoration.
In this context God is telling Israel that their punishment for backsliding is not the end of the story. God always has a return plan—even when we’ve been sent to a bitter place of correction. This future return trip—the way back home—was something the tribes were told to “consider well.” Jeremiah pictured a clear road with signposts that would guide Israel back to their first love—a restored relationship with their Covenant God.
These words are a call to Israel to prepare for their return. No matter how far we have wandered in our backslidings, the kindness of God calls us to prepare our hearts for a return. This is what the Bible refers to as repentance.
Today guideposts are also used to warn travelers of dangerous terrain, such as mountainous roads with steep drop-offs. They are put there to protect a person from going off the road and getting into danger. As Bible believing Christ-followers, we also have a responsibility to set up guideposts for those around us or those coming along behind us, to help keep them from wandering off the path to God.
I read a story of a man who came across a swollen, raging river that with great difficulty he was at last able to cross. When he reached the other side another fellow was surprised to see him begin to gather and chop sturdy wood and saw that he was constructing a bridge. The surprised fellow asked him, “Why build a bridge now? You are safely over.” The man replied, “My son will be following along behind me. The bridge is for him.”
It’s encouraging to remember that God “guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3), and that His discipline always leads to restoration. Additionally, it is no small responsibility on our part to set up guardrails for the next generation and guideposts for our children. Perhaps this weight of responsibility is what prompted the psalmist to declare: “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”
What guardrails can you set up to keep your heart from wandering away from God? What guideposts can you create to help others make the journey home to God? Think about that as you seek to abide in Him this week.
PRAYER
God, thank you for guiding me in the paths of your righteousness. Even when my heart has wandered, you have always disciplined me with a restoration in mind. Help me to faithfully set up guideposts in my life that show others the path to Jesus. May these waymarks be a witness to those around me and to the next generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions for Reflection and/or Family Discussion:
- What is your favorite story about getting lost?
- Why do you think God disciplines those whom He loves?
- When has God’s discipline led to reproof and restoration in your life?
- What kinds of guideposts have brought you back to God when your heart has wandered?
- In what ways can you create guideposts that help others find the path to Jesus?
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