Tradition

Today's readings: Ps 101, 109; Hos 4:111-19; Acts 21:15-26; Luke 5:27-39

Since Jesus first challenged the Pharisees and their understanding of the law, his followers have struggled with our relationship to custom and tradition. Some, like Paul, are able to see beyond tradition to a wider ministry. Others like the church in Jerusalem have a harder time letting go. Today Christians do not observe many Jewish traditions or customs, but we have added many of our own that can make us seem as rigid as Pharisees. How do we know when to hold on, and when to let go?

Paul’s efforts to gather Gentiles under the umbrella of Christ’s grace caused many to doubt his commitment to his Jewish identity. Like many efforts at inclusiveness, Paul’s acceptance of the other was interpreted by his own community as a rejection. To assuage their concerns, Paul went through the Jewish rituals of purification, but he understood his salvation was in Christ, not in ritual. Modern churches experience this phenomenon when leaders reach out to new people with different customs. My own church struggled with adopting inclusive language, as some people interpreted it as a rejection of the masculine rather than a way to share the Gospel more effectively. From rearranging furniture to changing the structure of the liturgy, some people will resist change – and grace.

But we don’t change for the sake of change. When Jesus, using wine as a metaphor, declares “The old is good,” (Luke 5:39), he is talking about the very old – the love and purpose of God that predates even the law. We tend to think our customs and traditions have always been, and after a time we stop reflecting on the purpose they serve. In some churches, a misstep during the offertory, a bungling of the Words of Institution, or an improperly stored card table can cause great consternation. When this happens, it is time to examine whether our traditions are serving the very old, or if we – like the Pharisees – have lost sight of their true purpose. In the latter case we do not necessarily have to change our traditions, but we do need to renew our relationship to them.

As faithful followers of Christ, we should respect what he respected, and challenge what he challenged. To do this well, we must know why we do what we do.

Challenge: Learn why your church worships the way it does. If no one can really tell you, start a conversation about it.

Prayer: Glorious Creator, I seek to know your purposes.

Evening readings: Ps 119:121-144


Tomorrow's readings: Ps 105:1-22; Hos 5:8-6:6; Acts 21:27-36; Luke 6:1-11

Holy Arguments

Today's readings: Ps 20, 21; Job 10:1-9, 16-22; Acts 11:1-18; John 8:12-20

I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”
- Psalm 116:10 (from this evening’s readings)

On Wednesday we considered the importance of being silent and listening for God. True spiritual silence is an achievement that doesn’t always come easily, especially when we are upset. Sometimes we first need to clear our heads by venting our anger and negativity. Even anger at God needs to be expressed. The psalmist knew this, and Job knew it when he said “I will give free utterance to my complaint” (Job 10:1).

Job accuses God of setting him up with a great life so his fall will be even harder. Do we ever feel like God has set us up to fail? Or like God is testing us? A popular cliché says “God never gives you more than you can handle.” Job would certainly seem to disagree. With its framing narrative of a wager between God and Ha’Satan, the Book of Job can easily be misunderstood to promote the theology of a God who is constantly testing us, a God who virtually hunts us, “bold as a lion” (v 16). Rather, it is a poetic exploration of our relationship with God and suffering. At one time or another we all feel we’ve been treated unfairly by life or God, and Job says the things we think at those times.

Arguing with God has a long tradition among the faithful. Jacob/Israel literally wrestled with God, and a nation was named for him. Every year during the Jewish High Holy Days from Rosh Hashanah (sometimes called Jewish New Year) to Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), people of great faith are held accountable for their actions during the year – and they also hold God accountable. Only by speaking the truths held most deeply in our hearts can we fully express our faithfulness. God already knows what is in our hearts, so doing this is a matter of showing trust in a God loving and great enough to handle whatever we have to dish out.

We tend to think of arguments as negative events, but they are inevitable when we are building any deep relationship. Sometimes an argument is a sign that a relationship is worth fighting for.

Comfort: God accepts our whole hearts, not just the happy parts.

Challenge: Find and read some articles on having healthy arguments.

Prayer: God of truth, I open my whole heart to you.

Evening readings: Ps 110, 116, 117

Tomorrow's readings: Ps 148, 149, 150; Job 11:1-9, 13-20; Rev 5:1-14; Matt 5;1-12