OUT with the new -  IN with the old

Jeremiah 6:10-30

Recently we purchased a MacBook computer and it came with a free iPod. The iPod had wifi and GPS features that amazed me, coming in such a small package. I am told that technology is advancing at such a pace that we “oldies” have been left behind. In church, this mindset has come in as well. But I believe it is more than just the usual generation gap. Previously, the generation gap applied to forms and styles. Today it is not just the forms and styles. It is also a world view battle. Previously what the church said about Jesus was accepted as true. Today, in addition to style, the gospel message is watered down or even reinterpreted.

It is “so yesterday” to want to read the bible as it is plainly written. We are told to look at scripture in a cultural context and reinterpret scripture in light of contemporary issues relevant for today. If that means watering down the exclusiveness of Jesus, so be it. Seeker friendliness or emergent church theology is the ”new” thing. As long as a “church” says they are “Christian”, we are to accept them without judging. Apart from subtle reinterpretation of long held theological beliefs, the ministry models as described in the new testament has been replaced by the “new” corporate models of church growth.

Nothing changes, I suppose. Even in the days of Jeremiah noted that the people of God were deviating from the plain meaning of God’s revelation. I wonder why it is so difficult to just read the scriptures plainly and believe it. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” Heb 11:6.  I suppose it is the fact that some of what the bible says is inconvenient and contrary to prevailing culture. And we are uncomfortable with it and thus demand something new.

The passage in Jeremiah 6:10-30 reveals that this inclination to tamper with God’s plain  teaching in the scripture is not a “new” phenomenon. And he starts with the reason.

1. Everyone is give to covetousness (6:13). “Covetousness” involved the prophet (preacher) to the priest (pastor). It leads to various falsehoods and sin. They were dealing falsely, says Jeremiah. Is it possible that we are doing the same today? Pastors exaggerate the numbers in their church. I have seen ministry leaders exaggerate the numbers of conversions at revival meetings. Short term mission fund raising exaggerate what the team members were actually going to do. This is not a broad accusation but a call for all of us to examine our motives carefully. What is our true motive for what we do? For what we do in ministry? For what we say when we preach? Are we scared of being labeled intolerant?  Let us not deal falsely for God see the heart.

So what is the solution to being misled by “new” ways?

Jeremiah 6: 16 Thus says the Lord: Stand in the way and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it. Then you will find rest for your souls.

1. Stand in the way and see (6:16a). I believe this is the Lord asking each of us individually and collectively to look clearly at the plain teaching of scripture. This is only found in the Bible. Do you read the bible in its plain meaning? Do you read the bible at all? Do you find excuses to ignore inconvenient passages (e.g  Jesus the only way to heaven, on the grace of God that saves us, on holiness, on Christian living issues - sexual issues, male leadership, nature).

2. Ask for the old paths (6:16b). We have the benefit of the writings and reflections of the church fathers. We have the creeds. These are condensed versions of biblical teaching. It helps us focus. Why have so many churches rejected the creeds? Why are we so averse to the historic faith writings? Book stores are filled with meaningless and feel-good, how-to books. How many of our children know the Lord’s prayer or Apostles creed? Do they not need to know these so that they will not stray? Yes, there are many who know the creeds but do not behave like Christians. And you feel that it is hypocrisy. Even contemporary Christianity has its hypocrites. This is hardly an excuse to reject the “old paths”.

3. Know the good way and walk in it (6:16b). Know the proper teaching and walk (obey) in it. A simple formula that we, in this post modern world are tempted to change because it somehow does not sound right. Do you know the Bible? Do you walk in its ways?

4. You will find rest for your souls (6:16c). Proper understanding of who God is and what he has done will result in proper worldview, proper worship and proper Christian living. It does not require “how to” books and teachings on how to be holy. Just know what the Bible plainly says to you, by the inspiration of the Spirit of God and counsel of the people of God and do what God impresses on your heart.

Are you seeking rest for your soul in this restless age? Do not seek to change the teaching of the Bible to reflect what you think may be right. Just trust God. He has taught us through his word and the counsel of godly forefathers. You may find that it may be old fashioned. Or boring. But you will find that it is enough.

+Joshua 

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