BREAKING TRADITION

Sounds a bit "rebellious" doesn't it?  Who amongst us doesn't have a little rebel in them?

But in all seriousness, we are in awe of what we have seen the Lord do as we fully surrender each task before us to Him - and watch Him work and be glorified.

Most recently, that of JeJe doing his first funeral service; and for his closest family member.  He would be rely completely on the Lord to help him, not only with the message, but in navigating his way through the traditional ideals of the Orthodox and Catholic churches. 

Webster's Dictionary defines the word "tradition" as follows"

tra·di·tion

 noun \trə-ˈdi-shən\

: a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time

: the stories, beliefs, etc., that have been part of the culture of a group of people for a long time

Hmmmm, "stories" or "beliefs".  Either of those can be true or false...

The Bible tells us that only The Word of God is Truth (Jesus is the Word)

Several weeks ago, JeJe's Aunt Geta passed away and entered the presence of the Lord.  She and he were very close.  He was an infant when his grandmother (her mother) began raising him.  Once he was 7 years old, he grew up with Geta and her husband (they never had children of their own).  In preparing for Geta's passing (she was just 55 years old), we discussed with her how she would like her funeral service handled, etc.  She had surrendered her life to Jesus back in May of this year, and a month later was given the news that she had Stage 4 lung cancer (just months to live without further treatment).  She asked me one day, how "we" do funerals, I explained that for the "believers" it is sad when another believer passes, but we rejoice at the same time because we know that person is now in Heaven.  What better place could one hope for?  She would learn this as the months of pain and discomfort came, and in her last weeks longed for Heaven. She liked the sound of it but knew that Romanian tradition included priests, maybe some boring music, everyone wearing black and crying because there was no hope.  The tradition here is for people to tell you at the funeral "May God Forgive" - WHAT !?!?!?!  you had better have that taken care of BEFORE your funeral. Once at the funeral, it's too late for whoever we are burying if that haven't made the decision to surrender his/her life to Jesus.  

Geta did have a couple of small requests:  that she be buried in a certain outfit, but yet the casket be closed; and she asked JeJe to talk to the Catholic priest of the small church in her town, where she had often gone on Sundays prior to her understanding of repentance/forgiveness in Jesus Christ, to have him present at the service.  She did state clearly that she wanted JeJe to handle the funeral service/message but just asked the priest to be there.  This would be JeJe's first funeral to officiate; we wanted to honor Geta's wishes but also had concern about the presence of the Catholic priest - so, we gave it to the Lord and asked for His direction.

A couple of days prior to Geta's passing, JeJe went to speak with the Catholic priest - the man spoke in Hungarian (most Hungarians follow the Catholic faith here) as JeJe and one of his other aunts tried to process what was said.  The Lord miraculously gave JeJe an understanding of what was said (no, JeJe does not speak Hungarian) and it was firmly stated that without the paying of "church taxes" he would not be coming.  The priest went on to tell JeJe's other aunt who was present with him, that her church tax was several years in the rear and she would need to be getting that caught up as well.  Well, that pretty much solved that issue - and the rest of the family was in agreement:  no Catholic priest at the service (most of them dont attend church and had grown up with the Orthodox church ideologies).

This was new:  watching people want to break tradition, as they see what man's "organized religion" has become/done.  It created a softening and openness to hear the true Gospel message.

Geta had attended church here with us her last few months.  She loved to read the Bible and enjoyed the church services, especially the worship.  The Lord has blessed us with a worship leader (Alin) who is very anointed and spirit lead (no, nothing crazy).

JeJe and Alin would do the entire Chapel service.  The Gospel message was preached to more than 300 people who attended both the chapel and grave-side services, and JeJe explained that your decision needs to be made "here. now. today." - dont wait until after you are in the ground for people to pray for your forgiveness that you "might" get to heaven - that is not what the Bible teaches.  No priest was present, no prayers (in Latin or Hungarian) for entrance into heaven lifted up, no incense spread around.  The most important guest showed up:  The Holy Spirit - Jesus with us.  He moved, and many people prayed to receive Jesus as Savior when an altar call was given.

Church is not about organized religion, it is not about a building or rituals.  Jesus broke every ritual the Pharisees and Sadducees tried to implement; eating with sinners, preaching in the streets, and especially by healing on the Sabbath. I am so glad He did, and that He heals 24/7 (both spiritually and physically) and FEE FREE.

We too can often fall into a rut of "tradition" or "habit" in going to church; and forgetting to daily ask Him in, as Him what He has for us "this day".  I don't know about you but I can also fall into danger of not wanting to be "inconvenienced" by something/someone that the Lord is asking me to be used for.  Maintaining closeness to Him is most critical, in order to hear/follow His voice as He leads us.

When we invite Jesus to be present, to lead and move - He does amazing things.  He doesn't need us but He sure would like to use us.

Everyone who was a close relative or friend expressed how blessed the service was, and we give Glory to Jesus - who gives victory over death; the original "Tradition Breaker".

“Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams."

1 Samuel 15:22