So much in our culture is based on newness. The new iPhone has everyone buzzing because of the new technology, soda distributors present us with new flavors, car manufacturers are rolling out new models, restaraunts have new dishes, professional sports teams have new logos, the fashion industry sets the pace for new fashions, and on and on the list will go. And by in large culture surfs these marketing waves with great fervor.
However, believers are an odd tree in this forest called the world. We are a people who are to relish and be satisfied with the ancient. Jeremiah chapter six says:
Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
God has clearly revealed himself in the Scriptures, prescribing the path for obedience, life, joy and rest. The amazing thing about this path is that it has not changed. I marvel to think that the path which the church walks on today is the same that all believers have been walking! God has not changed the need and nature of obedience.
This point was driven home to my with clarity as I was studying this past week in the book of Titus. God is commanding the young Calvinistic pastor Titus of his need to “remind them” (3.1…literally keep reminding them!). This same reminder which Paul delivered to Titus via the Holy Spirit is what I delivered to our congregation here in Omaha Nebraska some 2,000 years later! I marvel at this. The pastoral job description is today, as it has ever been, to remind God’s people of the ancient path.
At the same time I wonder why and how so many today have set aside the directions of walking this path in favor of more “contemporary” and “relevant” means. It is a shocking indictment on both the appetite of Christians and the meals prepared by pastors when we consider that pastors today are called to share a more palatable message (conversation) and employ other means that are more relevant instead of preaching. As a church we should not be waiting for the next program or fad to be released to identify ourselves by or with, rather we should be ever content in the once for all delivered to the saints faith (Jude 3).
Aside from a few cultural calibrations pastor Titus from Cretan Bible Church should (for sake of illustration) be able to come and fill the pulpit at Omaha Bible Church on a Sunday morning and the same with us. There is nothing new here folks. Just like Ezra, study, practice, teach (Ez. 7.10).
It is so good and kind of God to provide us with his word, clearly revealing his own ancient ways, and the ancient paths that we might walk in them. May God also help us to be content with the beautiful view as we walk this path and delight in all the new things that he teaches us.
