THE LORD SPOKE (July 17)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Nehemiah 11-12

Is there an echo in this chapter? Look at what they were dealing with in Nehemiah's day.

• Neh. 12:27 - "songs of thanksgiving" (doesn't sound like praise choruses to me)
• Neh. 12:27,36 - "music of cymbals, harps, and lyres...prescribed by David" (500 years previously - all they need is an organ too!)
• Neh. 12:28,31 - "singers...[in] two large choirs" (all old guys!)
• Neh. 12:36 - "Ezra led the procession" (probably at least in his 60's by now)

What is the value of tradition?

1. It is an acceptable and time-proven means of expressing truth, values, and personal faith.
2. It is a way to honor those who went before us, recognizing that we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them.
3. It provides a practical memory aid to connect us to the past and tie us to our heritage.
4. It strengthens resistance to change-for-change-sake or to poorly thought out innovation.

What are the potential dangers of tradition?

1. It can easily become a religion in itself and detract from a proper relation to God.
2. It runs the risk of failing to communicate to the new generation.
3. For some it will result in living in the past.
4. Resistance to change can be a very deep rut and hard to break out of.

How can these dangers be avoided?

1. You need to distinguish carefully and frequently between what is biblical injunction and what is tradition. Tradition is ok but we should never let it become Bible.
2. For the younger generation use the tradition to teach. Tell them what it means. Explain where it came from.
3. Be honest about the past; living in the "good ol' days" wasn't always so good.
4. Nurture a continual willingness to re-think, to re-evaluate, and to re-orient yourself.

Some people have an "if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it" mentality. Others think, "if it ain't broke, break it". The truth is somewhere in the middle. After all, Nehemiah led new people to return to an old city and he led old people to build a new wall. Both found room to rejoice when it was done.


New Testament: II Timothy 2

If Matthew 28:18-20 is the Great Commission, II Timothy 2:2 is the Great Transmission. Four generations in the transmission of God’s truth are laid out here:

1. Paul to
2. Timothy to
3. reliable men (qualified to teach) to
4. others.

That chain is the secret (if it’s any secret at all) to God’s plan for expanding His kingdom. It’s a plan that will work. It has not only stood the test of time (you’re here right now because of it!), it has the stamp of God’s approval. Why is it so workable?

1. It’s edifying. It builds brick by brick, layer by layer. It also builds up each individual along the way. Because the structure is so inter-twined it has additional strength to hold together.
2. It’s effective. Starting from ground level, it’s a blueprint for successfully bringing together an impressive structure. It’s a plan that will work.
3. It’s exponential. It begins with one and passes on to just one - at least, to just one at a time. But soon it becomes plural and before long begins to multiply.
4. It’s energizing. To see the effect of such growth is innervating. It encourages the soul and infuses fresh determination and vigor into the process because we see how it can work. The task is less daunting.
5. It’s easy. Everyone can work with one. That’s not hard. The next step is working with one at a time, i.e. not retiring after the first one.

The chain has remained unbroken for 2000 years, right down to you. Will it carry on after you? Will the transmission of God’s truth through you continue to the next generation(s) because you have been active in keeping the chain unbroken?