10-6-05
There may be different ways to understand Jesus’ comments about the rightly
trained scribe being like a master who brings from his treasure both the old and the
new, but it surely applies to a common problem in our churches. In the church
there is a constant battle between the old and the new. There are those who
always assume it’s only worth doing, reading, or using if its old and there are those
who only want what is new. Examples of conflict over old vs. new include the King
James Bible vs. other translations and the virtual battle royal in the musical world of
musical standards vs. new music vs. cutting edge music vs. country sounding vs.
rock sounding vs. middle of the road sounding music. And I have left out more than
one important musical genre counted among those Christian.
A discussion of the good and bad (more often actually the better and worse or
advantage and disadvantage) of anything we do in church that requires choice is a
good thing. Church splits over musical styles are not a good thing. Ascribing evil
intentions and devil’s deception to those who prefer the New International Version
is not a good thing. The very people who so often accuse of “holding to the
traditions of man” end up doing the same when they so desire to cling to the old
that they disparage those who use the new. Those who look upon the old as
irrelevant for today often miss that which would be most relevant for today.
God knew that the last days would last a long time as men reckon time. Long
enough for many styles to come and go and long enough for useful things to be
produced by many generations. The documents included in the Bible itself were
produced over a period of hundreds of years during which time styles and even
language changed. Jesus wants us to honor Him with all things. What glorified
Jesus 1000 years ago still glorifies Jesus and what glorifies Jesus today is good
even if produced in a style that may quickly pass.
I prefer older music or music done in an old-timey style, but take it back to old-old
and I have a harder time relating. On the other hand, I preach and teach from the
English Standard Version of the Bible. We need to avoid two mistakes in
responding to this kind of variety. Do not break fellowship with me because I do
not use the King James Bible in public worship. Do not throw me a bone by singing
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” once per quarter. What we need to do is to
truly stop thinking that what is produced by certain individuals or from certain
periods of time or in certain styles is the only good and that what we prefer is the
only thing to which we should be exposed or utilize in learning or worship. Jesus
is glorified when the old and the new are brought out and we enjoy His glory
together in one accord.
Dale
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