Living at the Crossroads – A return to the Ordinary – Following Jesus From the Edges.

Living at the Crossroads –
July 17, 2025
From the heart of Pastor Calvin Cook

Scripture – 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. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

I grew up and lived for the first 20 years of my life at the “Crossroads”. Literally, the area I grew up in was referred to as the crossroads. It was a landmark, a directional point, a place where decisions had to be made depending on which way you were going and what destination you were trying to reach.

As a young person it was the center of everything. The thoughts and places I have encountered throughout my life have developed in some unique and interesting ways. There have been straightforward paths to follow, some curving roads and mountain climbs. There have been days that have felt like a ride on a roller coaster and some easy cruising situations. But one thing remains: we all are standing at a crossroads.

Even with our thoughts starting to form with a deeper understanding of what a “return to the Ordinary” might look like. (see yesterday’s devotional for more of an explanation of what Ordinary time is) It isn’t necessarily about living in the past but allowing the goodness and lessons of the past to shape us and be a constant reminder maybe of a simpler time maybe of a real desire for those things which are important that we want back.

In a world that constantly craves the new, the loud, and the spectacular, the invitation to return to the ordinary may feel like a letdown. But I believe it is in the ordinary where God most often shapes us. In is in the repetition – the quiet, sacred rhythm of meeting God in prayer, Scripture, and silence – that our souls are formed and our hearts become steadfast.

Jeremiah 6 was a wake-up call not only to the Israelites who had turned away from God, but to all of us today. (By the way thinking this would make a great 6-week Bible Study). Jeremiah’s words are calling us back to those tried-and-true ways of waling with God. These ways are not flashy. They aren’t trendy, but they are faithful. These ways lead us to the heart of God.

Yesterday I encouraged you to find a rhythm of faithfulness. Today I want to encourage you to remain faithful to it once that rhythm is established. Don’t underestimate the power of returning to simplicity practiced through these times with God. Whether they be alone, with a covenant partner, friend, in a small group, or worship setting, we need to find our rhythm of spiritual practices.

The last words of Jeremiah 6:16 really strike a chord with me “But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

I have never left the “Crossroads” I am still there. Maybe not in the physical sense but in the heart, mind and soul. I am still that little boy that stands at a crossroads every day and has to decide which way I am going to go. Always praying and hoping for direction of the Holy Spirit. But I also know there are days – I choose the wrong way. In those moments I need to circle back – re-evaluate and look at the way God desires me to go and not the way I want to go.

I pray today to be returned to the place where God does deep work, slowly and faithfully. It’s where roots go down deep. It’s where trust grows. It’s where peace resides. Lord allow me to avoid weariness and find rest and peace for my soul.