Tradition – Past Connecting & Future Reaching

“Tradition –  Past Connecting & Future Reaching,” from the lesson series Tradition, January 2021

our Scripture

 I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you (1 Corinthians 11:2 NIV).

our Lesson

Tradition. The Los Angeles Times called it “groundbreaking.” The New York Times described it as “electrifying.” It is the opening number for the 1964 Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof. The play’s main character, Tevye, explains the roles of the classes, the jobs and the people of their village. The song details how their society tries to stay the same while the world around them changes.

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Points to Ponder:

1) Did your family have any meaningful traditions at certain times of the year? What made them meaningful? Do you still practice them? Why do you still remember them?

2) What role do traditions play in your life? … in teaching habits to younger people? Are there any reasons not to have traditions?

3) Do we value traditions today? Why or why not?

4) Read Joshua 4:1-7. Why was it important to build a memorial? What value did it have?

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Perhaps more than any other in our lifetime, the year 2020 has forced us to look change squarely in the face. Practically every part of life has been affected or altered because of the COVID pandemic. We heroically try to redefine “normal” as life goes on.

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Commit to Memory:

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

(2 Timothy 1:5 ESV).

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But tradition has been with us since the beginning. What will things look like when longstanding traditions of the holidays cannot continue? The year 2020 will be remembered as the year we lost traditions. As Easter approached, church buildings closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The year closed with the traditions of Christmas and New Year’s altered greatly. In the middle, we experienced – pun intended – a taste of a less than full family Thanksgiving.

Upended Tradition

Relatives remained isolated in hospitals and nursing homes, void of even family visitors. Postponed celebrations included graduations and weddings. Funeral services allowed immediate family members only. The times forced us to allow traditions that included large groups of people to slip through the fingers.

Christianity has not known how to respond. Religion is filled with tradition and ritual, especially around Christmas. Traditions make the ordinary extraordinary. A lighted candle in July is just a lighted candle. But a lighted candle at Christmas is more – it becomes luminaria. Our intentions and expectations, coupled with the season, elevate and explode the simple candle. The church wants to be good citizens, but it values some traditions immensely.

Changing Importance

But even before COVID-19, culture was subtly pressuring traditions to adapt or change. Political correctness became a treasured commodity. Censoring or re-writing history proved the easiest way to eliminate traditions that proved less than acceptable. Rather than explaining traditions, churches shied away to assure visitors would feel comfortable, connected and understanding. Hundred year old hymns were replaced by modern songs.

The Bible speaks of the importance of tradition on several levels. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we are reminded of the continuing covenant relationship between God and the Jewish people. God is the God of “Abraham, Isaac and of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6 ESV). The same concept repeats in the New Testament (Matthew 22:32).

Memorials Point to Understanding Heritage

People were led to set up monuments and memorials so that the stories of God’s providence and care could be told from generation to generation (Deuteronomy 6:12, Exodus 12:14, Joshua 4:1-7).

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Conclusions to Consider:

1) What can you do in your home to instill traditions that reinforce biblical truths?

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Consequently ancestors and lineage were important parts1 of education and practice in both Testaments. The entire lineage of Jesus can be seen through both Joseph and Mary in the gospels (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38).

Biblical Perspective

Paul speaks about the importance of traditions on more than one occasion in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 11:2 Paul commended the Corinthians for remembering him in everything and for keeping the traditions exactly as Paul has passed them on to them.

Later he wrote to Timothy and reminded him that his sincere faith grew from the belief and traditions that passed on to him by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5).

When the next generation wanders to you and asks, “Can you please tell me what these stones mean?” Will you be able to answer?

For Deeper Study

Build your understanding of the Biblical context on our topic of discussion by looking at the main point of this issue, peering at the subject through the cultural lens of the Mediterranean area, delving into the meaning of some of the words used, examining how the subject was covered earlier in the Scriptures, and finally, once we understand the issue, how does God want us to live.

Leading Small Groups

There are several ways that you can use this material in a smaller group setting. First, you can handout an excerpt of the lesson material for use with the group. In addition to material that can be found on the website, the points to ponder and the conclusions to consider are printed on the handout. Hover your mouse over the image of the PDF handout. Make as many copies to distribute as your group needs. Second, there is a handout that provides daily Bible readings for the coming week. The Scriptures reinforce the material and pointe from the lesson. Again hover over the image to access a menu that will allow you to examine and print the material. Finally, each of the five context lessons (The Pointe, Mediterranean Moments, Wrangling with Words, In the Shadows, and Walk with God) will have devotional thoughts that you could use in a presentation.

Build Your Leadership Koinonia

We have talked for years about the importance of building fellowship and community among the believers in the church. It is equally important to grow fellowship among leaders. This next section of the website allows you several opportunities to do just that. This section has a chat area where you will have a chance to interact with the lesson writer and with others who are using the lessons. Do you have a question about the original intent of the lesson? Are you in need of some ideas of how to present the material? Maybe you need an idea for an illustration or activity for the group. Leave your questions and comments in this chatroom. The chatroom is active only during the time the course is being taught.

There are two other ways that you can connect with other leaders. You can leave your prayer requests and praises in the prayer section. We will pray for you and your concern on a regular basis. Finally, you can leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Let’s see what we can do to build a community here.

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