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A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society
As a society, we are no less obsessed with the immediate than when Eugene Peterson first wrote this Christian classic. If anything, email and the Internet may have intensified our quest for the quick fix. But Peterson's time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same--a long obedience in the same direction. Tucked away in the Hebrew Psalter, Peterson discovered "an old dog-eared songbook," the Songs of Ascents that were sung by pilgrims on their way up to worship in Jerusalem. In these songs (Psalms 120-134) Peterson finds encouragement for modern pilgrims as we learn to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community and blessing. This 20th anniversary edition of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction features these Psalms in Peterson's widely acclaimed paraphrase, The Message. He also includes an epilogue in which he reflects on the themes of this book and his ministry during the twenty years since its original publication.
216 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1980
About the author
Eugene H. Peterson
382 books902 followersEugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 960 reviews
September 30, 2024
This, GR friends, is THE BOOK that hauled me up from the Slough of post-retirement Despond some fifteen years ago and put me back firmly on an even keel.
Where our Heart is, therein lies our Duty.
And what a duty! To once again turn our hearts to the task of ascending the hills of Jerusalem, as Jesus did so grimly, at his last Passover.
For these are King David’s Psalms of Ascent - psalms that tell a compelling story of once again putting our shoulders firmly to the wheel, ‘keep(ing) calm and carry(ing) on’ - no matter what our media or our enemies may do or say.
Sufficient to each day is the evil in it, and these remarkable few psalms are in fact a story of our daily lives as they occur, as we try to ascend arduously through the dark clouds that somehow, always seem to tinge each of our days with a measure of sorrow and regret.
If they remind you of the Lord’s last days on earth in the week before Easter you’d be right.
Worn out as we may be, it is never too late to seek a better world!
If you liked the Biblical street talk of The Message, you’ll LOVE this one - Eugene Peterson’s SECOND BEST Greatest Hit.
The Songs of Ascents - surely among King David’s own favourite Psalms - begin right after that monumental block of spiritual granite, Psalm 119 (my perennial fave, with my literary bent!)...
After the stylistic and hieratic solemnity of that masterpiece, King David was free to let his childlike emotions pour out once more!
So here we have the David we LOVED as a kid - casual and unafraid to dance joyously before the sacred altar of his Judge.
And his many enemies don’t get off lightly in his letting loose, either - those spoilsport stuffed shirts who cast their haughty, jaundiced glares upon this young upstart of a king who all his life retained the sybaritic spontaneity of a country bumpkin sheep-sitter!
Yes, David is always one of the very biggest stars of the Bible when he reminds us poker faces of our seething differences with our hypocritical daily tormentors, before whom we hold our newly-dealt hand of losing cards with placid feigned indifference!
And what better champion of this wonderful beleaguered king than Pastor Peterson, who can so perfectly remind us burnt-out souls of how much like King David we are in our heart of hearts?
So, come ON! Be yourself.
David is no idealized plaster saint.
No, he’s an authentic, honest, open flesh-and-blood friend and mentor.
And a long obedience in the same direction is absolutely mandatory for the purification and maturation of our souls!
FIVE full stars. THIS will get each of us, no matter how weary, back on her or his feet!
Where our Heart is, therein lies our Duty.
And what a duty! To once again turn our hearts to the task of ascending the hills of Jerusalem, as Jesus did so grimly, at his last Passover.
For these are King David’s Psalms of Ascent - psalms that tell a compelling story of once again putting our shoulders firmly to the wheel, ‘keep(ing) calm and carry(ing) on’ - no matter what our media or our enemies may do or say.
Sufficient to each day is the evil in it, and these remarkable few psalms are in fact a story of our daily lives as they occur, as we try to ascend arduously through the dark clouds that somehow, always seem to tinge each of our days with a measure of sorrow and regret.
If they remind you of the Lord’s last days on earth in the week before Easter you’d be right.
Worn out as we may be, it is never too late to seek a better world!
If you liked the Biblical street talk of The Message, you’ll LOVE this one - Eugene Peterson’s SECOND BEST Greatest Hit.
The Songs of Ascents - surely among King David’s own favourite Psalms - begin right after that monumental block of spiritual granite, Psalm 119 (my perennial fave, with my literary bent!)...
After the stylistic and hieratic solemnity of that masterpiece, King David was free to let his childlike emotions pour out once more!
So here we have the David we LOVED as a kid - casual and unafraid to dance joyously before the sacred altar of his Judge.
And his many enemies don’t get off lightly in his letting loose, either - those spoilsport stuffed shirts who cast their haughty, jaundiced glares upon this young upstart of a king who all his life retained the sybaritic spontaneity of a country bumpkin sheep-sitter!
Yes, David is always one of the very biggest stars of the Bible when he reminds us poker faces of our seething differences with our hypocritical daily tormentors, before whom we hold our newly-dealt hand of losing cards with placid feigned indifference!
And what better champion of this wonderful beleaguered king than Pastor Peterson, who can so perfectly remind us burnt-out souls of how much like King David we are in our heart of hearts?
So, come ON! Be yourself.
David is no idealized plaster saint.
No, he’s an authentic, honest, open flesh-and-blood friend and mentor.
And a long obedience in the same direction is absolutely mandatory for the purification and maturation of our souls!
FIVE full stars. THIS will get each of us, no matter how weary, back on her or his feet!
September 4, 2018
This book really deserves 6 or 7 stars. It is a balm, a kick, a nudge, a lesson, counsel, conversation, realistic, hopeful, and profoundly biblical and beautiful. Peterson is a master of the simple yet profound, the accessible yet expansive. And in that way he reflects the teachings of Jesus. This book is a treasure.
March 15, 2016
To be brief: this is one of the best books I've ever read. Ever. And I'm so thankful that I read it.
There's no gimmicks here, no easy answers, no quick fixes. This book is saturated in scripture and truth. This will be a new regular re-read, and one I'll suggest and give away to many others.
There's no gimmicks here, no easy answers, no quick fixes. This book is saturated in scripture and truth. This will be a new regular re-read, and one I'll suggest and give away to many others.
December 21, 2013
I'm convinced there's a time for every book. This one sat on my shelf for about 600 years. I'm not sure what made me take it down, but I did, and I read it, and I loved it. I read it bit by bit, a few pages at a time, because that's how I usually roll with books about Christianity, either the disciplines thereof or the adventure thereof. This book is about the maintenance thereof. It's well-written, inspiring, strengthening, and heartening. It's a book for the long haul, about the long haul, with insights into the workaday glories through an examination of the Psalms of ascent. When you feel a little bereft after finishing a book, it's a good one.
December 19, 2021
I made the mistake of listening to this one on audio all in one sitting. As such, while in the moment I kept marveling at the nuggets of truth, or questioning some of his assumptions, I now sit back and realize I've done basically the opposite of what he says to do. I rushed. And I'm the poorer for it.
I need to track down a physical copy.
I really like the way he uses the Psalms of Ascent to trace spiritual obedience. And his point about reading Scripture not for momentary application but to soak in God's word. Oh, and his point about how Christians can be boring but they're family anyway and we're called to participate in the church regardless of how we personally feel. All personally challenging and deserving more contemplation.
I need to track down a physical copy.
I really like the way he uses the Psalms of Ascent to trace spiritual obedience. And his point about reading Scripture not for momentary application but to soak in God's word. Oh, and his point about how Christians can be boring but they're family anyway and we're called to participate in the church regardless of how we personally feel. All personally challenging and deserving more contemplation.
September 22, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this devotional on Psalms 120-134, and used it for my quiet time. I read the psalm (each chapter begins with the actual text - a big plus to me), the chapter in the book (which focus' on a theme of the Christian life as presented in the psalm), the psalm in my Bible (different translation) and then the African Bible Commentary on the Psalm.
I found this to be a nourishing read. Encouraging. Good. Simple. Principles for Christian life. Not necessary groundbreaking, but walking the well-worn paths of ancient relationship with the God of Israel as revealed in the Bible.
Certain chapters hit me very deeply, and i found myself pondering certain quotes in almost every chapter. Other chapters were merely okay, but whether this was due to a change in writing/ analysis by the author, or a reflection of my own internal state, I cannot say.
I found this to be a nourishing read. Encouraging. Good. Simple. Principles for Christian life. Not necessary groundbreaking, but walking the well-worn paths of ancient relationship with the God of Israel as revealed in the Bible.
Certain chapters hit me very deeply, and i found myself pondering certain quotes in almost every chapter. Other chapters were merely okay, but whether this was due to a change in writing/ analysis by the author, or a reflection of my own internal state, I cannot say.
August 2, 2024
A pastoral guide through the songs of ascent, so
cool! It was more devotional than I was expecting but that is certainly not a bad surprise, would recommend!
cool! It was more devotional than I was expecting but that is certainly not a bad surprise, would recommend!
July 2, 2012
I liked the premise of this book more than the book itself. I really like the psalms of ascent, but Peterson's treatment was not my favorite. The themes he extrapolated sometimes seemed odd to me, and definitely more focused on man than God. And there was not really much of anything about "long obdedience." However, I do enjoy Peterson's broad vocabulary and readability.
March 19, 2020
Wise, practical, beautiful, and immensely helpful.
May 25, 2024
4⭐️ … maybe 3.75⭐️
First off, I love this summary of Christianity: A long obedience in the same direction, even though it was first penned by Friedrich Nietzsche, an atheist.
There was a lot in this book I loved and then some that was more rudimentary. The only caution I would give is that his theology on salvation doesn’t seem 100% sound. Otherwise, this is a good book!
First off, I love this summary of Christianity: A long obedience in the same direction, even though it was first penned by Friedrich Nietzsche, an atheist.
There was a lot in this book I loved and then some that was more rudimentary. The only caution I would give is that his theology on salvation doesn’t seem 100% sound. Otherwise, this is a good book!
August 19, 2024
This book was such an encouragement. I have notes upon notes of helpful quotes and nuggets of wisdom. Peterson knows the hearts of man well and how easy it is for us to lose interest in the gospel over time. In a fast-paced world where we are constantly seeking immediate answers and results, he shares the importance of reading God’s word “slowly, imaginatively, prayerfully, and obediently”. Short book, easy to read!
July 9, 2024
This is my first time through this book and while it came recommended, I didn't know much about it, other than the numerous times I've heard discipleship quote as "a long obedience in the same direction." With the Psalms of Ascent (Ps 120-134) as the framework, the author describes different aspects of our discipleship. The topics ranging from worship, service, repentance, happiness and hope. I was really encouraged and I imagine it may be one I'll revisit again.
This is for the believer recognizing that discipleship is not instant, but a comprehensive, slow growth.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
This is for the believer recognizing that discipleship is not instant, but a comprehensive, slow growth.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 28, 2023
Oh my. Five stars does not seem sufficient for this book. It has been sitting on our shelf for years and while the title has always intrigued me, I sniffed my nose at reading Peterson because of a negative bias toward The Message. Totally unfair and uncalled for, I know. I am so happy to have been wrong about this man!
Eugene Peterson loves his Lord, and his Lord’s people. He has a wonderful way of seeing God’s work in every day life. His use of the Psalms of Ascents as themes for our own walk with Jesus is magnificent, and shows us, as modern day believers, how rich our spiritual heritage actually is.
There are nuggets of wisdom and joy on every page, but some of my favorite themes were Providence, Happiness, Hope, Suffering, and Blessing. In several chapters, Peterson remarks on the structure of the Psalm being such that as readers we must remember our past and God’s past faithfulness to his people as a way to fuel our joy and obedience in the present as well as the future.
My only criticism is that Peterson is a bit wishy-washy on the idea of eternal security. He says, ”Once you are a Christian there is no getting out of it. It is a non-negotiable contract,” and then follows that with “However true that is generally, and I think it is, there are exceptions.” Texts such as John 10:27-30 and Romans 8:38-39 clear up that issue in my mind. That said, I still wouldn’t hesitate at all to recommend this book.
One further comment-I just found out that some of the editions of this book use his Message translation for the Scripture passages. I recommend getting an early edition with the RSV translation used, which is nearly identical to the ESV, at least for Psalms 120-134.
Eugene Peterson loves his Lord, and his Lord’s people. He has a wonderful way of seeing God’s work in every day life. His use of the Psalms of Ascents as themes for our own walk with Jesus is magnificent, and shows us, as modern day believers, how rich our spiritual heritage actually is.
There are nuggets of wisdom and joy on every page, but some of my favorite themes were Providence, Happiness, Hope, Suffering, and Blessing. In several chapters, Peterson remarks on the structure of the Psalm being such that as readers we must remember our past and God’s past faithfulness to his people as a way to fuel our joy and obedience in the present as well as the future.
My only criticism is that Peterson is a bit wishy-washy on the idea of eternal security. He says, ”Once you are a Christian there is no getting out of it. It is a non-negotiable contract,” and then follows that with “However true that is generally, and I think it is, there are exceptions.” Texts such as John 10:27-30 and Romans 8:38-39 clear up that issue in my mind. That said, I still wouldn’t hesitate at all to recommend this book.
One further comment-I just found out that some of the editions of this book use his Message translation for the Scripture passages. I recommend getting an early edition with the RSV translation used, which is nearly identical to the ESV, at least for Psalms 120-134.
June 11, 2024
Peterson's book walks through the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134) and outlines the life of discipleship for believers. I found Peterson's book good, but I was always left wanting. I felt like he often went beyond the text and his translation for the Psalms were definitely a paraphrase. I did come across some helpful (and quotable) nuggets, but overall this book was not what I was hoping for. While this book is helpful, I believe there are much better books for someone seeking to understand Christian Discipleship.
November 8, 2018
3.5/5.
I began reading this modern spiritual classic as soon as I heard that Eugene Peterson was in hospice, with the forecast that he only had a few months left, hoping to finish this before the end; within a few days he had passed away.
I expected to give this a higher rating, though when I purchased it my friend told me her own reaction to it had been rather subdued. I enjoyed many of Peterson's observations, his unrelenting declaration that God is for us, that He stoops to be among us, that Christians need to commune with God through Scripture and prayer rather than through the latest megachurch trend. At the same time, this book is like other modern classics such as Brennan Manning's "The Ragamuffin Gospel;"they are beloved by thousands but if you've read enough such books their impact on you is diminished.
I began reading this modern spiritual classic as soon as I heard that Eugene Peterson was in hospice, with the forecast that he only had a few months left, hoping to finish this before the end; within a few days he had passed away.
I expected to give this a higher rating, though when I purchased it my friend told me her own reaction to it had been rather subdued. I enjoyed many of Peterson's observations, his unrelenting declaration that God is for us, that He stoops to be among us, that Christians need to commune with God through Scripture and prayer rather than through the latest megachurch trend. At the same time, this book is like other modern classics such as Brennan Manning's "The Ragamuffin Gospel;"they are beloved by thousands but if you've read enough such books their impact on you is diminished.
September 3, 2022
This book was so rich... a true treasure. Every believer should read it. I was so challenged and encouraged by Peterson’s words. I am so grateful for his life and his willingness to share what God taught him.
April 29, 2024
I love Eugene Peterson’s writing. I have my own copy of The Message Bible and will sometimes compare it to my regular ESV one. I’m originally from California so I like the straight forward approach to things and I felt like this was a commentary of sorts. The book is about the Psalms, chapters 120 through chapter 134.
This would be a good bible study because it’s written for such a time as this.
I thought it helpful and encouraging.
Thanks InterVarsity Press via NetGalley.
This would be a good bible study because it’s written for such a time as this.
I thought it helpful and encouraging.
Thanks InterVarsity Press via NetGalley.
January 13, 2022
So much wisdom here. Eugene Peterson used the Psalms to discuss various theological aspects to the Christian life such as obedience, grace, faith, and worship. I loved it. Exactly what I needed to read right now. Highly recommend!
July 9, 2023
I can confirm: this book is flames
October 9, 2018
I didn't get as much out of this as some of his other stuff I've read, but anything written by Peterson is required reading as far as I'm concerned. I would follow him around his house and write down everything he said if he'd let me.
In this book he teaches through the Psalms of Ascent (120-134). The Psalms are my least favorite book of the Bible because I'm not really an abstract thinker, but Peterson brings them to life. He says "The Psalms are great poetry and have lasted not because they appeal to our fantasies and our wishes but because they are confirmed in the intensities of honest and hazardous living." The Psalms of Ascent in particular aren't really guides on how to get from one place to another, but affirmations and celebrations of the realities we actually live in. Songs we sing that keep us going because they remind us of what's real.
Another great Peterson quote from the book - "The easiest thing in the world is to be a Christian. What is hard is to be a sinner. Being a Christian is what we were created for. The life of faith has the support of an entire creation and the resources of a magnificent redemption. ... In the course of Christian discipleship we discover that without Christ we were doing it the hard way and that with Christ we are doing it the easy way. It is not Christians who have it hard, but non-Christians."
In this book he teaches through the Psalms of Ascent (120-134). The Psalms are my least favorite book of the Bible because I'm not really an abstract thinker, but Peterson brings them to life. He says "The Psalms are great poetry and have lasted not because they appeal to our fantasies and our wishes but because they are confirmed in the intensities of honest and hazardous living." The Psalms of Ascent in particular aren't really guides on how to get from one place to another, but affirmations and celebrations of the realities we actually live in. Songs we sing that keep us going because they remind us of what's real.
Another great Peterson quote from the book - "The easiest thing in the world is to be a Christian. What is hard is to be a sinner. Being a Christian is what we were created for. The life of faith has the support of an entire creation and the resources of a magnificent redemption. ... In the course of Christian discipleship we discover that without Christ we were doing it the hard way and that with Christ we are doing it the easy way. It is not Christians who have it hard, but non-Christians."
February 22, 2019
My favorite thought in the entire book is this: “All the water in all the oceans cannot sink a ship unless it gets inside. Nor can all the trouble in the world harm us unless it gets within us.”
That is a pretty decent summary of the entire book. It’s an honest look at the reality of the current condition of this fallen world, but more importantly, it is a gentle (but insistent) reminder that we are entirely and constantly surrounded, kept afloat, and protected by the presence of our powerful God.
“The LORD will keep you from all evil.” Indeed.
That is a pretty decent summary of the entire book. It’s an honest look at the reality of the current condition of this fallen world, but more importantly, it is a gentle (but insistent) reminder that we are entirely and constantly surrounded, kept afloat, and protected by the presence of our powerful God.
“The LORD will keep you from all evil.” Indeed.
April 19, 2024
I think this is the first Eugene Peterson book I’ve read (other than The Message, which I was too snooty for when it was first published but have since come to enjoy quite a lot), and I’m sorry it took me so long to make my way to his writing. Written in 1980, and rejected by seventeen publishers before InterVarsity Press (wisely) accepted it, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is one of the best Christian books I have ever read. I recommend it highly not only to other Christians but also to people who would like to see what Christianity really is all about, at its best.
In the book (its title a wonderful appropriation of a line from Friedrich Nietzsche), Peterson guides the reader through the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134), finding in each psalm insights into what it means to choose the pilgrim way of Christianity. The overall theme of the book is to emphasize that the Christian pilgrimage is counter to society’s ethos of impatience and self-reliance. Peterson encourages a slower, more contemplative, and always relational, community-oriented faith.
To say much more would be to cheapen the depth of the pastoral wisdom and to spoil the delight of reading each chapter. Along with Dallas Willard’s Life without Lack, about Psalm 23, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is one of my favorite reflections on the Psalms, and I expect to return to this book, and more by Peterson, very often.
In the book (its title a wonderful appropriation of a line from Friedrich Nietzsche), Peterson guides the reader through the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134), finding in each psalm insights into what it means to choose the pilgrim way of Christianity. The overall theme of the book is to emphasize that the Christian pilgrimage is counter to society’s ethos of impatience and self-reliance. Peterson encourages a slower, more contemplative, and always relational, community-oriented faith.
To say much more would be to cheapen the depth of the pastoral wisdom and to spoil the delight of reading each chapter. Along with Dallas Willard’s Life without Lack, about Psalm 23, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is one of my favorite reflections on the Psalms, and I expect to return to this book, and more by Peterson, very often.
June 15, 2023
Maybe 3.5
After reading this biography of Peterson I wanted to go back and read some of his writings. Books that he wrote before he became the famous Message Bible Guy. This is one of his early books—published in 1980.
In this new edition, there is a preface written by his son, Leif. He often teased his father that he only had one sermon—one message:
“God loves you.
He’s on your side.
He’s coming after you.
He’s relentless.”
Here Peterson goes through and unpacks Psalms 120-134, which comprise the “Song of Ascents”. He notes that these psalms were likely sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they “went up” to Jerusalem for festivals and worship: “the ascent was not only literal, it was also a metaphor: the trip to Jerusalem acted out a life lived upward toward God.”
Here are several quotes I liked:
Re Feelings:
“I have put great emphasis on the fact that Christians worship because they want to, not because they are forced to. But I have never said that we worship because we feel like it. Feelings are great liars. If Christians worshiped only when they felt like it. there would be precious little worship. Feelings are important in many areas but completely unreliable in matters of faith. Paul Scherer is laconic: ‘The Bible wastes very little time on the way we feel.’
“We live in what one writer has called the "age of sensation." We think that if we don't feel something there can be no authenticity in doing it. But the wisdom of God says something different: that we can act ourselves into a new way of feeling much quicker than we can feel ourselves into a new way of acting.
“Worship is an act that develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God that is expressed in an act of worship. When we obey the command to praise God in worship, our deep, essential need to be in relationship with God is nurtured.”
[p 48]
Re Judgment:
“The biblical word judgment means ‘the decisive word by which God straightens things out and puts things right.’ Thrones of judgment are the places that word is announced. Judgment is not a word about things, describing them; it is a word that does things putting love in motion, applying mercy, nullifying wrong, ordering goodness.”
[p 49]
Re Work:
“In contrast to the anxious labor, that builds cities and guards possessions, the psalm praises the effortless work of making children. Opposed to the the strenuous efforts of persons who, in doubt of God's providence and mistrust of human love, seek their own gain by godless struggles is the gift of children, born not through human effort but through the miraculous processes of reproduction which God has created among us. The example couldn't have been better chosen. What do we do to get sons and daughters? Very little. The entire miracle of procreation and reproduction requires our participation, but hardly in the form of what we call our work. We did not make these marvelous creatures that walk and talk and grow among us. We participated in an act of love that was provided for us in the structure of God's creation.”
[p 104]
Re Suffering:
“Not that Christians celebrate suffering—we don't make a religion out of it. We are not masochists who think we are being holy when we are hurting, who think personal misery is a sign of exceptional righteousness…Henri Nouwen wrote:
‘Many people suffer because of the false supposition on which they have based their lives. That supposition is that there should be no fear or loneliness, no confusion or doubt. But these sufferings can only be dealt with creatively when they are understood as wounds integral to our human condition. Therefore ministry is a very confronting service. It does not allow people to live with illusions of immortality and wholeness. It keeps reminding others that they are mortal and broken, but also that with the recognition of this condition, liberation starts.’
“George MacDonald put it with epigrammatic force: ‘The Son of God suffered unto the death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like His.’”
[p 134]
Re Reading the Bible:
“The reading style employed more often than not by contemporary Christians is fast, reductive, information-gathering and, above all, practical. We read for what we can get out of it, what we can put to use, what we think we can use—and right now. ‘We . .. we ... we ... we ...’ all the way home.
“If we are serious about following Jesus and living out the gift of his life in detail in our bodies and circumstances, we must swim against this whitewater River We and familiarize ourselves with the world in which Jesus and his gift of life are revealed to us. We do it by reading our Scriptures slowly, imaginatively, prayerfully and obediently. Each adverb is important.”
[p 198]
Re “Applying” the Bible:
“Well-meaning people have told us that the Bible is useful, and so we pick it up. We adapt, edit, sift, summarize. We then use whatever seems useful and apply it in our circumstances however we see fit. We take charge of the Bible, using it as a toolbox to repair our lives or as a guidebook for getting what we want or as an inspirational tract to enliven a dull day.
“But we aren't smart enough to do that; nor can we be trusted to do that. The Author of the book is writing us into his book, we aren't writing him into ours. We find ourselves in the book as followers of Jesus. Jesus calls us to follow him and we obey—or we do not. This is an immense world of God's salvation that we are entering; we don't know enough to ‘apply’ anything. Our task is to obey, believingly, trustingly obey. Simply obey.”
[p 200]
After reading this biography of Peterson I wanted to go back and read some of his writings. Books that he wrote before he became the famous Message Bible Guy. This is one of his early books—published in 1980.
In this new edition, there is a preface written by his son, Leif. He often teased his father that he only had one sermon—one message:
“God loves you.
He’s on your side.
He’s coming after you.
He’s relentless.”
Here Peterson goes through and unpacks Psalms 120-134, which comprise the “Song of Ascents”. He notes that these psalms were likely sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they “went up” to Jerusalem for festivals and worship: “the ascent was not only literal, it was also a metaphor: the trip to Jerusalem acted out a life lived upward toward God.”
Here are several quotes I liked:
Re Feelings:
“I have put great emphasis on the fact that Christians worship because they want to, not because they are forced to. But I have never said that we worship because we feel like it. Feelings are great liars. If Christians worshiped only when they felt like it. there would be precious little worship. Feelings are important in many areas but completely unreliable in matters of faith. Paul Scherer is laconic: ‘The Bible wastes very little time on the way we feel.’
“We live in what one writer has called the "age of sensation." We think that if we don't feel something there can be no authenticity in doing it. But the wisdom of God says something different: that we can act ourselves into a new way of feeling much quicker than we can feel ourselves into a new way of acting.
“Worship is an act that develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God that is expressed in an act of worship. When we obey the command to praise God in worship, our deep, essential need to be in relationship with God is nurtured.”
[p 48]
Re Judgment:
“The biblical word judgment means ‘the decisive word by which God straightens things out and puts things right.’ Thrones of judgment are the places that word is announced. Judgment is not a word about things, describing them; it is a word that does things putting love in motion, applying mercy, nullifying wrong, ordering goodness.”
[p 49]
Re Work:
“In contrast to the anxious labor, that builds cities and guards possessions, the psalm praises the effortless work of making children. Opposed to the the strenuous efforts of persons who, in doubt of God's providence and mistrust of human love, seek their own gain by godless struggles is the gift of children, born not through human effort but through the miraculous processes of reproduction which God has created among us. The example couldn't have been better chosen. What do we do to get sons and daughters? Very little. The entire miracle of procreation and reproduction requires our participation, but hardly in the form of what we call our work. We did not make these marvelous creatures that walk and talk and grow among us. We participated in an act of love that was provided for us in the structure of God's creation.”
[p 104]
Re Suffering:
“Not that Christians celebrate suffering—we don't make a religion out of it. We are not masochists who think we are being holy when we are hurting, who think personal misery is a sign of exceptional righteousness…Henri Nouwen wrote:
‘Many people suffer because of the false supposition on which they have based their lives. That supposition is that there should be no fear or loneliness, no confusion or doubt. But these sufferings can only be dealt with creatively when they are understood as wounds integral to our human condition. Therefore ministry is a very confronting service. It does not allow people to live with illusions of immortality and wholeness. It keeps reminding others that they are mortal and broken, but also that with the recognition of this condition, liberation starts.’
“George MacDonald put it with epigrammatic force: ‘The Son of God suffered unto the death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like His.’”
[p 134]
Re Reading the Bible:
“The reading style employed more often than not by contemporary Christians is fast, reductive, information-gathering and, above all, practical. We read for what we can get out of it, what we can put to use, what we think we can use—and right now. ‘We . .. we ... we ... we ...’ all the way home.
“If we are serious about following Jesus and living out the gift of his life in detail in our bodies and circumstances, we must swim against this whitewater River We and familiarize ourselves with the world in which Jesus and his gift of life are revealed to us. We do it by reading our Scriptures slowly, imaginatively, prayerfully and obediently. Each adverb is important.”
[p 198]
Re “Applying” the Bible:
“Well-meaning people have told us that the Bible is useful, and so we pick it up. We adapt, edit, sift, summarize. We then use whatever seems useful and apply it in our circumstances however we see fit. We take charge of the Bible, using it as a toolbox to repair our lives or as a guidebook for getting what we want or as an inspirational tract to enliven a dull day.
“But we aren't smart enough to do that; nor can we be trusted to do that. The Author of the book is writing us into his book, we aren't writing him into ours. We find ourselves in the book as followers of Jesus. Jesus calls us to follow him and we obey—or we do not. This is an immense world of God's salvation that we are entering; we don't know enough to ‘apply’ anything. Our task is to obey, believingly, trustingly obey. Simply obey.”
[p 200]
December 9, 2023
There are no sprints in the life of faith. It takes a lifetime. It is slow, deliberate and has many, many difficulties as well as immense pleasures. For the ones who persevere there is transformation and a deeper understanding of God.
We know not how long any of us has, but we need to keep walking until God says it’s time.
I will be reading this one again very soon.
We know not how long any of us has, but we need to keep walking until God says it’s time.
I will be reading this one again very soon.
January 18, 2024
I wanted to like this book, but I just didn’t :/ There were only a couple chapters, one at the beginning and one at the end that I enjoyed and was challenged by. Peterson basically goes through each Psalm of Ascent, (120-134) picks the theme from each and writes about how that theme carries us through a long obedience with Christ! Aka our walk. The title and subtitle were very intriguing but I dont think I saw this theme throughout the book completely.
December 1, 2020
Nuggets and nuggets and nuggets of wisdom
August 28, 2022
Such a chunkable, purposeful devotional-style book on the psalms of ascents and how they are relevant to our faith lives, throughout generations and circumstances
January 25, 2024
A soul stirring journey through the Psalms of Ascent.
Peterson is an expert in both Scripture and the soul.
Peterson is an expert in both Scripture and the soul.
September 2, 2024
wow wow wow! This book captures the heart of walking faithfully with God and makes the psalms of ascent come to life as you read. Peterson brings such encouraging words to godly living in celebration, fear and mundane moments, pointing to the holiness and vibrancy of it all. A must-read!
February 4, 2023
A digestible and Spirit-filled read without being simplistic.
I wish stodgy, self-righteous younger me would have read this book. Somehow for all my right reformed thinking about God being glorified when I enjoyed Him, I never really got the intuitive or emotional sense that God was for me. That is far-and-away the biggest reflection I take from this book: God is so, so for us, and he desires to show us mercy. The world is good, and full of good mercies that we can encounter God in.
I wish stodgy, self-righteous younger me would have read this book. Somehow for all my right reformed thinking about God being glorified when I enjoyed Him, I never really got the intuitive or emotional sense that God was for me. That is far-and-away the biggest reflection I take from this book: God is so, so for us, and he desires to show us mercy. The world is good, and full of good mercies that we can encounter God in.
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