"The Sinai event is a kind of axle for holding together two basic realities: one, everything God does involves me (election); and two, everything I do is therefore significant (covenant). Because I am chosen, I have consequence. Election creates a unique identity; covenant describes a responsible relationship. Election is the declaration that God has designs upon me; covenant is the description of how the things I do fit into those designs."
Eugene H. Peterson
Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work
Monday, August 21, 2006
Ruth
"is the inconsequential outsider whose life is essential for telling the complete story of salvation."
"is the instance of a person uprooted, obscure, alienated who learned to understand her story as a modest but nevertheless essential part of the vast epic whose plot is designed by God's salvation."
Eugene H. Peterson
Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work
"is the instance of a person uprooted, obscure, alienated who learned to understand her story as a modest but nevertheless essential part of the vast epic whose plot is designed by God's salvation."
Eugene H. Peterson
Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work
Monday, August 07, 2006
The best questions
about heaven are usually those to which the answer demands a sustained and creative reflection upon our current life in this world.
For example, will I be able to paint well in heaven? My artistic ability with paints is very limited, if not entirely absent. But will everything not be perfect in heaven? If yes, surely I'll be able to paint and paint well? Me and Rembrandt (should we both be there) would be on a par.
Given that part of the way in which humanity is created in the image of God is the diversity of people and their gifts, I wonder if there will still be differences between us when glorified? If everyone was perfectly capable of doing everything themselves, would that not also militate against true community and our mutual dependency, which again seems part of living in the image of God.
Maybe others will be able to teach me how to paint. Maybe I won't be jealous of those who can.
And maybe not.
For example, will I be able to paint well in heaven? My artistic ability with paints is very limited, if not entirely absent. But will everything not be perfect in heaven? If yes, surely I'll be able to paint and paint well? Me and Rembrandt (should we both be there) would be on a par.
Given that part of the way in which humanity is created in the image of God is the diversity of people and their gifts, I wonder if there will still be differences between us when glorified? If everyone was perfectly capable of doing everything themselves, would that not also militate against true community and our mutual dependency, which again seems part of living in the image of God.
Maybe others will be able to teach me how to paint. Maybe I won't be jealous of those who can.
And maybe not.
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