Starting New Traditions

Pro New Ways

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Tradition. It connects us to our roots and reminds us who we are. But when tradition exists for its own sake, at best it becomes cold and meaningless and just something we do because we have always done it; at worst it becomes little less than an idol, the focus of our devotion and fidelity.

When it came time to name John (the Baptizer) his parents called together friends and family for the naming ceremony. This is a very important event in Jewish life. The child’s family, religious, and community identity is established. Equally important is the name itself. It is tradition that a son is named after a family member to keep the name alive. Zechariah and Elizabeth were advanced in years. They were probably not going to have more children – this son was a miracle. Surely he would be named after his father. But,

When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”

“What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.

Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way. Luke 1:57-66

At the moment Zechariah broke with tradition and obeyed what God had told him, he was miraculously healed. His mouth that had been “shut up” months before when he questioned God’s intentions now is loosed again, and result was everyone’s astonishment and wonder. That’s what happens when we do “new things” in God’s name. People wake up and take notice. A ritual becomes fresh and full of meaning. Anticipation and excitement replace normalcy and tradition. People begin to look for and talk about what God is doing.

I love this little story. It is often over looked, tucked in-between accounts of Jesus’ conception and birth. John’s life mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, he was the forerunner of something new coming. Of course God would choose to shake things up, grab people’s attention! Too often we grow comfortable and complacent in the way “the church” does things. From music to missions, congregation to ceremony, ministry to membership we often grow so attached to the “way things have always been done” we miss seeing and experiencing the new things God is purposing in our midst. “If it’s not broke don’t fix it” drowns out the possibility of “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

Perhaps we should occasionally emulate Zechariah and spend a season staying quiet, observing what God is doing in and among us, so we can respond in true obedience. Obedience to God, not to tradition or the expectations of others, but to what God has shown us. We may be amazed at the healing and testimony that results.

Let's DO something about it:

Traditions serve an important part in our history and culture. They remind us who we are and give us connection with our past. But they can also prohibit us from growing and prevent us from fully engaging in God’s “new things.” They can also cause us to become exclusive and narrow-minded. The key is to find a healthy balance between celebrating traditions while keeping an open mind and heart to new expressions of what those traditions represent.

• Hebrews 4:12 says, “the word of God is living and active”. The opposite of living and active is dead and stagnant. Consider the impact of these descriptors. Consider ways you can keep the expression of your faith in your church, work, family, attitudes, words, and life alive and active.
• Think about some of the “traditional ways” you are particularly holding on to: in your relationships, your attitudes, your family, work or church. Consider if these practices are enhancing your experiences or keeping you from growing or experiencing new grace and blessing. Consider how and where you can make appropriate adjustments.
• Think about some of the traditions of other families, cultures, or churches that you are aware of – especially those you might tend to “automatically reject.” What is the basis of your rejection? Consider how you could better understand or adapt those practices into actually glorifying Christ as a way of reaching out to others.

Pro Including the Unlikely

Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. Luke 1:38

The first chapter of Luke gives us a wonderful portrait of some of God’s favorite vessels for His blessings, the unlikely.

…they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Luke 1:7

Elizabeth, an old barren woman. In her culture a barren woman was of no worldly usefulness, and one with no visible means of support as she got older – no son to provide for her, no daughter to help her with the rigorous “womanly” duties of her day; and no reason for hope – her physical circumstances prohibited her from changing her situation

Then there is Mary, a young, probably very poor, engaged virgin. Betrothed to a carpenter, this is no “upper crust” girl. God chooses these two unlikely candidates to change history in a totally unorthodox way. That’s the problem with “orthodoxy” – it leaves little room for random acts of Godliness! To one, at a very late (some would say impossibly late) stage of life, He grants her heart’s desire. A child, a son, a fulfillment of her cultural gender. But to the other, His “blessing” could very well have ruined her life… God chose to make her an unwed mother, a condition that no doubt resulted in criticism, outcast and in fact may have endangered her very life. How extremely odd.

How will this be, since I am a virgin? Luke 1:34

I wonder how often we consider the fact that our Savior was born from such unorthodox circumstances. Oh yes, we know and proclaim the virgin birth – it is grounded in our theological sensibilities, but have we grasped the social embarrassment, shame, and scandal of His earthly beginnings? Or, more importantly, have we been inspired by it? Does it motivate us to reach out to, support, encourage, embrace, and include the marginalized in our communities?

Luke tells us that Mary hurried out of town to her cousin Elizabeth’s home. Together they found mutual shelter, support, and encouragement in their “conditions.” We wonder sometimes why the marginalized are reluctant to come to our churches or claim our faith… could it be that we do not provide the comfort and acceptance regardless of their physical conditions or their ability to change their circumstances that they so desperately need? Or perhaps it is because we are only looking at them through our physical eyes, we have shut our spiritual hearts to them. Or perhaps we just don’t see them at all… they aren’t one of “us.” The scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit caused Elizabeth to recognize Mary’s blessedness as soon as she entered the house. Are we willing to look for blessedness in unlikely places, in unlikely people? God is; it is in the margins that God chooses to change history.

Let's DO something about it:

• Prayerfully read the song of Mary from Luke 1:46-53. Consider that these words were sung by a teenage, pregnant, unwed girl whose future was uncertain. What insight does this perspective give you about God’s choices?
• Ask God to show you who (or what group of people) may be feeling “marginalize” in your community, church, or family. Begin to pray for ways to reach out to them and commit to following through on God’s direction.

The Things You Have Been Taught; Pt. 2

Pro-Truth but Not Afraid of Fiction

It is foundationally crucial to base our faith in the Truth of God’s Word. Likewise, we must remember that we have been totally redeemed by the work of Christ – including our imaginations. We need not fear whimsy, or fairy tales, or stories of fantasy, but instead discern the difference between creative imaginings and destructive rubbish. The truth and power of God --Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is sufficient to protect our hearts, minds, and faith from fairy tales and imaginary villains and enchantments. Pumpkins that turn into carriages need not scandalize us.

Regardless of our personal tastes, let us stop demeaning our faith by outrageously opposing simple fantasy and fairy tale. The key is to delineate our faith from fantasy, our worship from entertainment. The Word of God is not threatened by Grimm, Spielberg, or even J K Rowling. Far more threatening is the misinterpretation and intentional misuse of God’s Word by false prophets of cheap grace and casual obedience. Let us be scandalized by manipulated scripture, not invented fiction.

I believe that the more we immerse ourselves in the truth, the less threatening fiction becomes. A respected teacher I once had suggested that it is exactly the exposure to the wonders and magic of fairy tales and fantasy, science fiction and novel that opens and trains our mind to be able to accept the wonder and mystery and reality of the Spiritual Realm. If it is not your taste, fine – but please let’s stop maligning the imaginative works of creativity and save our indignation for creations of filth that demean the weak, deprive the poor, destroy beauty and wonder, and manipulate what’s holy.

Let's DO something about it:

• Reflect on C S Lewis’ quote, “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” What do you think he meant?
• Consider what criteria you put on acclaiming or disclaiming literature, art, music, etc. Is your criteria based in Truth or bias?
• Look at Philippians 4:8-9. Consider defining and writing down your standards for evaluating the arts. What is your primary measure of what is "good" and what is "bad"?

Certainty Concerning the Things You Have Been Taught

Pro Truth

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4

The opening words of Luke begin with a declaration of purpose. The author is determined to set forth a factual, eyewitness account of Christ; what he said, did, and how he acted. We have not inherited a faith based on fairy tales, superstitions, or manipulated story. Factual observation and true testimony is the foundation of what we believe, how else can we learn to trust the spiritual and unexplainable elements of our faith if it is not based in reliable truth. As faithful followers of Christ, we must guard the expressions of our faith against falling into superstitious patterns and enchanted prayers. Truly our faith has Godly power, miraculous demonstration, and heavenly application – we don’t need to add fantasy or superstitious patterns to our expressions of faith.

First and foremost Christ-followers must be pro-truth!

Let's DO something about it:

Prayerfully read and reflect on John 8:31 and 14:6.

• What insights do these verses give you regarding the nature of “truth”?
• Spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your own patterns of prayer, or any particular religious phobias or bugaboos you may be holding on to. Ask God to reveal whether they are based on truth or superstition.
• Ask God if there are any changes He wants you to make. Record them and use them for occasional reflection and accountability.