* When you’ve lost your way, God has a plan to get you back on track.

* Backstory - God had just rebuked Israel for her sins and said His wrath was coming.

* Vs 13-14 - Their spiritual leaders couldn’t be trusted.

* They were “greedy for “gain.”

* This isn’t just money - it’s a thirst for influence and powerful positions.

* They “dressed the wound” - they recognized a problem but gave the wrong prescription. Why?

* Because ambition blinds you - you focus on what you don’t want to lose in the physical rather than what you will gain in the spiritual.

* So what were they supposed to do?

* Vs 16 - 17 - Five components to getting back on track:

* 1) Stand at the Crossroads and look - the crossroads represent a time when you have to make a decision.

* Don’t blindly move forward - stop and consider where you are and where you’re going (which path will get you where you want to be?).

* Look at those on both paths - who do you want to join?

* 2) Ask - this puts you in the place of humility and aligns you in proper authority.

* Asking implies you need something and don’t have it - this keeps you humble.

* When you “ask God” it aligns you under His authority because it presupposes He is your superior.

* 3) Ask where the “ancient” path is - the path that’s proven over and over to work.

* It’s the “well worn” path.

* EX: all fad diets bow to the ancient path - eat fewer calories than you burn.

* God’s path - trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!

* The Bible gives us the ancient path.

* 4) Walk in it - don’t just ask, DO! Follow the advice you asked for.

* Action precedes motivation.

* The ancient path has fewer people walking on it.

* Principle - do the harder thing.

* RESULT - you will find rest for your soul!

* Mind, Will, Emotions will line up with God and you’ll experience peace.

* FACT - you won’t do it (none of these steps are natural).

* So what does God do? He appoints “watchmen!”

* vs 17 - Those who see what’s going on in culture and are willing to blow the trumpet to warn you.

* They were commanded to “listen” because it would be natural for them to tune it out.

* What does a watchman do? (Spot, startle, stop, shift)

* Spot the enemy - they watch while you work.

* Startle you to attention - blowing a trumpet will tap into your brain power and produce adrenaline and cortisol.

* Stop your normal routine - they get you outside yourself.

* Shift your perspective - they give you a glimpse of what the enemy is up to and show you how to respond.