Returning to the Ancient Paths
(Jeremiah 6:16) “Thus says YHVH: Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.”
The Call to the prophet Jeremiah declared the heart of YHVH: “ ask for the old paths.” These are not man-made traditions or innovations, but the order of Melchizedek; כֹּהֵן the Kohen (Priest) ways, that were set apart from the beginning. The ancient paths are the commandments, the appointed times, and the walk of righteousness that YHVH gave His people so that they may live in covenant with Him.
Yeshua the Messiah came not to destroy this path but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). In Him, the Torah is completed, written upon our hearts by YHVH (Jeremiah 31:31–33); (Hebrews 10:16). The blood of bulls and goats is no longer required, for Yeshua became the ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10–14). Yet, this freedom does not release us into lawlessness, but calls us deeper into obedience through grace.
Grace and Obedience
Paul reminds us: “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law of sin but under grace” (Romans 6:14). Grace frees us from the penalty of the death of sin, but not from the call to holiness. As Yeshua said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) remain the foundation of covenant living. They are not burdens but blessings, guiding us to love YHVH with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Deuteronomy 6:5); (Leviticus 19:18); (Matthew 22:37-40).
Honoring the Sabbath Day
Among these commandments, the Sabbath is set apart as a holy sign between YHVH and His people. The command declares: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of YHVH your Elohim. In it you shall do no work…” (Exodus 20:8-10).
The Sabbath is not just about refraining from labor, but about resting in YHVH’s presence. It is a day of fellowship, worship, and family unity, a time to grow stronger in faith and in love. We are reminded not to use this day for personal gain, business, or pleasures of the flesh. It's a day to celebrate life with truth.
“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of YHVH honorable, and honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, then you shall delight yourself in YHVH” (Isaiah 58:13–14).
Even Yeshua honored the Sabbath, showing us its true purpose: “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is also Master of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28).
By setting this day apart, we testify that YHVH is our Creator, our Av (Exodus 31:16–17), and that our true rest is found in Messiah Yeshua in obedience to the commandments. Appointed Times: Signs of Fulfillment. The appointed times of YHVH (Leviticus 23) are rehearsals and reminders. Passover points us to Yeshua Messiah’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7). Firstfruits declares His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20). Shavuot reminds us of the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2). The Fall feasts point us toward Yeshua's return and the final restoration.
By keeping these holy days in celebrations of them, it's not through dead ritual like our pagan holidays but through Spirit-filled remembrance, we proclaim what Yeshua fulfilled and look forward to what He will complete.
Walking in Love and Righteousness. Torah and the prophets all rest on love (Matthew 22:40). Yeshua gave us a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This love is active, sacrificial, and Spirit-led.
Through Shekinah (the Holy Spirit) we are empowered with both fruits and gifts. The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are the evidence of His presence in our lives when we show: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4–11) equip us to serve one another and advance the Kingdom of YHVH.
Walking in righteousness means not only loving YHVH but also dealing justly with our neighbors defending the poor, being honest, forgiving, and showing mercy (Micah 6:8); (Ephesians 4:32).
Rest for Your Souls
To return to the ancient paths is to return to YHVH’s direction guided by Torah, fulfilled in Yeshua, and empowered by Shekinah. It is not about empty religion but about a covenant relationship. It is not about bondage but about freedom in holiness.
As Jeremiah promised, when we walk in the good way, “you will find rest for your souls.” Yeshua Himself confirmed this: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-29).
Let us walk in that rest, in truth and in Spirit, returning to the ways of YHVH, honoring His Sabbath, keeping His commandments, and celebrating His Holy Feast Days while we wait in hope for our Messiah’s return.
