Tis old, yet ever new

Transcription

1 In large font for the sight impaired or those reading on mobiles. Tis old, yet ever new These are words from an old hymn: There is a story sweet to hear, I love to tell it too.. It s about hearing and telling a story that is old (God s love expressed in Jesus) yet ever new, refreshing and life-changing. I was reminded of these words by two experiences this week. As a change of theme recently, our Monday Fellowship has been looking at the background of some of the hymns and songs in a collection by Pam Rhodes, the long-running presenter of BBC s Songs of Praise. Maybe unsurpringly for someone of my generation, the hymn Tell me the old, old story features in the collection, though it is not often sung now and has been omitted from some new hymn books. We reminisced and appreciated the words of this old hymn. Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love. Tell me the story simply, as to a little child, For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled. Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love. Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in, That wonderful redemption, God s remedy for sin. Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon; The early dew of morning has passed away at noon. Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave; Remember I m the sinner whom Jesus came to save. Tell me the story always, if you would really be, In any time of trouble, a comforter to me.

2 Tell me the same old story when you have cause to fear That this world s empty glory is costing me too dear. Yes, and when that world s glory is dawning on my soul, Tell me the old, old story: Christ Jesus makes thee whole. Katherine Hankey was the hymn writer. She was born into a banking family who were devout Anglicans and while still a teenager taught girls in a Sunday School. She became a radical independent Christian thinker and joined an evangelical group, the (London) Clapham Sect, noted for strong anti-slavery and pro-missionary stances. In her early 30 s (around 1865), Katherine contracted a severe illness. During a protracted recovery, she wrote a lengthy poem about Jesus. It was in two parts, the first asking questions about Him and the second answering them. Hymns I Love to Tell the Story and Tell Me the Old, Old Story came from this poem. The hymn is often regarded as one for children. I m not so sure Katherine intended that. Apparently, she was exhausted by her illness and understood the need to have matters of faith expressed to her in simple, understandable terms that she could better focus on, just like telling a story to a child. Tell it simply, slowly, repeatedly, and by way of comfort as the verses say. So out of her experience of weakness came first a poem and then this memorable hymn. Later in the week came my second experience. It was at the hands of my two young grandsons. They love music and they love to dance (or prance!) to it. On their CD player was Colin Buchanan singing tracks from Boss of the Cross, one of several CDs aimed at children and young people. They knew some of the words in places so it was lively fun for them and me! Colin is an exhuberant Australian and, moreover, an exhuberant Christian communicator!

3 These were bouncy, sing-along songs with children often backing the tracks. The songs were packed with Bible quotations and sometimes the Bible references. Now, like the Old, Old Story, I m not sure these songs are just for children because of the clearly expressed truths they contain. Indeed I was singing along too and it was joyful worship as far as my heart was concerned. On Good Friday Jesus died On the cross was crucified From the cross into the grave That is where they laid his body Early Sunday Mary came Saw the stone was rolled away Empty tomb; a living King Just as he had promised them. Victory to the risen Saviour Freedom through his sacrifice Everlasting King of glory Jesus Christ was raised to life. Surely Katherine Hankey would have approved of this song. Bible based, the old story, but newly presented for modern kids and their parents (quite different to her Sunday School days). How about this song too which stresses honouring fathers and mothers Press on Mums (from Colin s Favourite Collection with chewy Bible centres!). Press on Mums in all the chaos Look to Jesus through the tears Press on, Mums God will guide you

4 Through those precious, tender years. And in all you do, do it for Jesus Who won you life and free forgiveness Yesterday, today he is the same All you do, do it in Jesus name. (It moves on to the Dads and Kids in the two following verses). What an inspirational, appreciative song for Mothering Sunday later this week. I m reminded too that Jesus said to his disciples, who were asking about rank in heaven, I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [Mathew 18:4] So maybe we should appreciate these kids songs. Simplicity, not complexity is the order of the day when it comes to telling the old, old story and getting the message into the heart as well as into the head! Times change and to get the message across now we may need to use new approaches. The content is the old, old story but packaged for different audiences of different ages. If you get opportunity, listen to Colin Buchanon and to the gospel truths he projects into the lives of children and adults. I think we have something to learn. This week we consider our attitudes to changing styles. Tell it simply Both Katherine and Colin knew the importance of communicating a message in clear, simple terms directed at the heart. Katherine needed it for herself as she struggled

5 with tiredness from her long illness. Keep it simple stupid! Colin writes in a style to get a straightforward message across to kids in a way they will listen to and remember. Maybe these two writers are an object lesson for us as we communicate to those around us. As we approach Easter, read again Colin Buchanon s On Good Friday. Pray about how we can get Jesus across to children and young people (and adults too) by all means possible, sometimes when we may not appreciate the style ourselves. Tell it true Pop songs are designed to create atmosphere. Some of that atmosphere is a lot of noise! That s pop. The challenge to Christian writers of hymns and songs in any generation is to crystallise the faith in a memorable way. Telling it true, and telling it in a way that attracts. Pray that our lives will be true and something attractive to others, to the glory of God. Please feel free to pass this weekly prayer letter on to others. They can request to receive it directly via whitby_prayers@yahoo.com. God bless you Corporate Prayer Team, whitby_prayers@yahoo.comthe message is s Administration, Graham Storer