Amid my studies of the Old Testament in my second term here at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, I find myself both deeply grateful at how much of the O.T. context is being illumined for me and with that gratefulness comes an influx of emotions that leave me overwhelmed with how little I really know. This is the both one of the blessings of a seminary education and a quandary. I'm told to bear with, I'm told this is absolutely to be expected and I'm told that I'm not the only one. I'm not sure how much comfort I can derive from that. Nevertheless, I am certain of one thing, that I belong here. Through conversations with other seminarians who I get to share life with I know with certainty that they were called to be here as well. We all stepped out in obedience to this adventure called seminary. Bible Boot camp, Theology Boot camp, take your pick, but the rigors of our studies and the pace at which we go, WILL serve it's purpose. Even when we fall short, God will meet us in our studies.
All this to say, without any formal Bible college education prior to coming, it's tempting to think I don't have anything to offer in a discussion or an insight. It's tempting to think I'm in over my head, but the reality is this, we were all called. We come from different walks, different perspectives, we bring to the table varied life experiences to draw from so that we can all add to this joint experience of being sharpened and trained up for ministry. Just like any family unit or model of community, we all need to chip in and lend our gifts to minister to one another and let God do His miraculous work through the broken vessels that we are. The beautiful picture of the Body of Christ is that we all need each other. We can let down our guard or a working facade that would lead others to think we've got it all figured out! Transparency is a mode of life as a regenerated, grafted in follower of Christ. I think instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we benefit most by offering our gifts and asking for others to share theirs! I know it's no easy feat, but it is intrinsic to our growth as believers in Jesus Christ and as future pastors, missionaries or whatever capacity of ministry we will by the sovereignty of God end up at. I can't tell you how many times I've had to walk into the study lounge to ask questions from some of my friends who have the church history backgrounds, biblical studies backgrounds or just a penchant for linguistics. We all could greatly benefit from someone that God has placed a certain skill set or talent for that is outside of our own! :) This all aims to glorify God because it humbles us and reminds us that we need HIM and sometimes He works through our friends at seminary. This is something that has stuck with me as I study the Prophets of the O.T. Righteousness (in Hebrew) is derived from this notion of being poor and needy. Apart from God, we are indeed helpless and in need of rescue. So, let's throw out a tow line by seeking out the skills and knowledge and gifts of God's Holy Spirit in one another and most of all, lending our gifts and using them for the service of God.
A friend of mine from MN named Bryan is currently in Israel.He's just a really gifted teacher. He's in seminary and is taking these next 6 months to ruminate over the places of the Bible and to bring the Scriptures to life in new and exciting ways. He's passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in his scholarly knowledge of scripture he has been gifted with being able to paint a picture with words in such a way that allows the knowledge of God's word to come alive. God is doing tremendous things through Bryan's experience there. Go to his website which is called The Jerusalem Experiment and take a tour. I know it's helped me to further develop my own understanding of the O.T. See what God is doing through this project and I trust it will be a blessed experience. (Thanks Bry for sharing the inner and outer workings of God's gifts through you in Israel!).
