Old and New Songs

"And Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old" (Matt 13:52).

There seems to be somewhat of a generation gap in many churches when it comes to singing songs in worship. Older people identify with the traditional songs, singing with fondness (and even nostalgia) "Precious Memories," "The Old Rugged Cross," and the curious "Church in the Wild Wood." Younger people are inspired by the relevant messages of contemporary praise songs, singing with emotion "The Greatest Command," and "There's a Stirring."

The different worship needs of both young and old have even created divisive tendencies in some churches where there is "traditional worship" (with old standard hymns) for older people and "contemporary worship" (singing contemporary praise songs) for the younger generation. Certainly it is sad to separate the church over preference of songs. The church (both young and old) should be "one body" (Eph. 4:4). Surely when it comes to our singing "I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord" (Philippians 4:2). Young people should learn to appreciate the rich songs of our past. The older generation should desire to learn new songs of praise.

In his book on Heaven, Dennis Doughty makes a great point about singing songs both old and new (102). The oldest song recorded in the Bible is the song of Moses (Exodus 15:2, 3). The Apostle John tells us that in Heaven we will sing "the song of Moses the servant of God" (Rev. 15:2-3). But we will also sing together around the throne "a new song" (Rev. 14:2-3)

Heaven will be a place of singing songs both new and old. The church should be a little taste of Heaven on earth. Congregational singing in worship is "chorus practice" for the eternal singing of Heaven. Let us bring out of the hymn and praise books songs both old and new.