Colossians 2
‘Human Tradition’ v3
Tradition is wonderful – if you like that sort of thing. Knowing what to do and how to do it can really help organise our lives and so we can gain a sense of comfort especially at times of the rites of passage, weddings and death especially. Of course it all depends where we grew up as traditions vary from one country and culture to another. If we do not know how to behave like everyone else it can be very strange or embarrassing time. One way or another with a little bit of common sense we can get around our failings in such circumstances.
The problem in the text is human tradition verses Christ. Even after years of Bible study it is still possible to neglect or misunderstand a passage of scripture because of human traditions. How many churches have split or fragmented itself over tradition? May God forgive us all in this savage mismanagement of the divine that causes heartbreak among those who love Jesus.
Jesus must be first in our understanding of what we do. What was he like, how did he speak, what are the results of his teaching? Standing or sitting, bowing of head or hands is of no value unless we are reaching out to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. It is the master’s face that we are looking for; it is His voice that we must listen to. Where Jesus points we must follow and be a blessing to those he would bless.
Our text tells us that hollow and deceptive philosophy depends on human tradition. Our traditions may end up as a dull thud rather that the clear sound of a bell. How we worship the saviour must start with an empty heart made clean by Jesus to fill our hearts with his love and message. Bu doing this we will be following the traditions of Jesus. May we always follow these.
Colossians 3
Songs with gratitude v 16
How much money can any one song be worth? For decades musicians and singers have combined together for the perfect song which when released to the world will bring fame and fortune. Every now and again a song will be so loved that it goes from one generation to another, but in reality most do not even have a moment of glory.
The Christian does have a special song; its words can vary and its tune can alter daily, but it is the song of gratitude. Thank you’s can be said in many ways, a written message, a gift, a hug or smile or best of all said with real meaning. Our text suggests that we have songs of gratitude or to turn it the other way around thank you’s that make you sing.
This particular passage man well be encouraging that act of public worship that thrills the hearts of the congregation when each one joins in a combined force to praise the God of all creation. But having the word of Christ dwell in us is not going to be of much use if we can only use it when in the church assembly. Rather psalms, or any other Bible text for that matter, hymn and spiritual songs are going to affect the individual to overflow with gratitude in our hearts to God and each other.
Singing motivates, strengthens, teaches and inspires. The church causes and needs new songs as the psalmist encourages ‘sing unto the Lord a new song’ Old hymns can be loved but even they were new at some time or other. As individuals we need to sing and as congregations we need to open our hearts and voices as we encourage each other. It sometimes seems as if the angels themselves sing along with us, and why not? The Lord God reigns in majesty and He Himself joins in with singing.
Colossians 4
Proclaim it clearly v27
How many sermons have you sat through and how many do you remember? Sometimes it is easier to sleep, read your Bible or just enter into some sort of void in the mind than listen to a sermon. The Christian will love to be in worship to encourage those who also love the Lord and this is so important. The same people will probably also enjoy praising God in songs old and new. Prayers have to be both congregational and private so everyone can express themselves to God. Then there is the sermon; one speaker and everyone else listening. Often sweet papers are heard rustling, children have to be entertained and one wonders when the first heavy breathing of the sleeping will be heard.
Often a third or even half of the time in a service is given over to the sermon and this may be the saddest time in the gathering. Sometimes it is the fault of the hearer and sometimes the fault of the speaker.
The Apostle was all too aware that the gospel message had to be given clearly. Every preacher and teacher today must learn the same thing. Poor preaching and insufficient preparation is a killer to the church. The young preacher may well be a little self-conscious but the one who has stood in the pulpit for years should be no less concerned that what is said is for the salvation of souls. The preacher stands as the mouth piece of God, encouraging, teaching , motivating the congregation so they might catch a glimpse of Heaven for a moment. Preachers must make the message plain. Better 10 minutes of heart-warming gospel that 20 of theological debate. Oratory does not save souls, only Jesus can. It is Jesus who must be seen and heard nor the preachers. The message of hope must be proclaimed simply, lovingly, with care and devotion. Heaven awaits those who have heard the clear proclamation and fallen in love with Jesus. A garbled, misplaced tirade is never welcome by Heaven of by God himself. Lord help us to proclaim the gospel clearly.