Friday, March 20, 2009

The Shack: Bible Study 16

Chapter 18: Outbound Ripples



P242 The images and memories began to flood back so powerfully that he felt like they might pick him up and sweep him off his bed and out of this world. And as he remembered he began to cry, until tears were rolling down his cheeks.



Q: What kind of memories makes us cry? Do they have to be powerful?



Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.



Mack paused, grasping for words. “He said, ‘Tell Willie that I’m especially fond of him.’”



Q: How would Mack’s words have affected Willie? What does it mean to us to be told that we are fondly loved by God?



Ephesians 3:17b-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.



P243 As she talked, Mack thought it indeed strange that he would get in an accident right after spending a weekend with God. The seeming random chaos of life, wasn’t that how Papa put it?



Q: If life is seemingly random and chaotic, what makes it predestined and orderly?



Ephesians 1:11-12 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.



When Nan finished recounting her side of the events, Mack began telling her all that had happened to him. But first, he asked her forgiveness, confessing how and why he had lied to her. This surprised Nan, and she credited his new transparency to the trauma and morphine.



But the vividness and depth of his memories touched her and slowly undermined her resolve to stay objective. There was life in what he was telling her and she quickly understood that whatever had happened had greatly impacted and changed her husband.



Q: How does Mack’s story change Nan? Is she upset at being excluded? Why did Mack need her forgiveness?



Colossians 3:13-14 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.



P244 Mack “None of us meant for this to happen, Kate. It just happened, and we’ll learn to live through it. But we’ll learn together. Okay?”



Q: Why is this so important to completing the story? How does this kind of restoration work in our own relationship to God?



P245 When Nan noticed that his eyes had opened, she quietly approached so as not to wake their daughter and kissed him. “I believe you,” she whispered, and he nodded and smiled, surprised by how important that was to hear. It was probably the drugs that were making him so emotional, he thought.



Q: Why did Mack need to hear that Nan believed him? How did that restore their relationship?



1 Timothy 4:9-10 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe .



P246 They probably would never have found the exact spot if it hadn’t been for Papa. Sitting at the top of a pile of stones in front of the cave was the rock with the red marking turned outward. To realize what Papa had done made Mack almost laugh out loud.



Q: What had Papa done that made Mack laugh? Is this divine intervention? Can this happen in “real life?” How?



Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.



Even though Mack’s alibi was flawless, there would still be serious questions.



Q: Why would these questions be necessary?




After Words



P 247 Do I think all of it is true? I want all of it to be true. Perhaps if some of it is not actually true in one sense, it is still true nonetheless – if you know what I mean. I guess you and Sarayu will have to figure that one out.



Q: Where do we find real truths in this tale? Is this because we have experienced similar situations or through the revelatory powers of the Holy Spirit?



Ephesians 3:4-5 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.



Somehow he (Mack) has become a child again. Or maybe more accurately, he’s become the child he never was allowed to be; abiding in simple trust and wonder.



Q: Is this what Christ means by becoming a child again in order to enter into God’s Kingdom? How do our childhood experiences affect our faith in God?



Mark 10:15-16 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.



P248 As I write this, Mack is testifying at the Ladykiller trial. He had hoped to visit with the accused, but has not yet been granted permission. But he’s determined to see him, even if it happens long after the verdict is rendered.



Q: Does this kind of faith and forgiveness happen in the world today? Where and when have you seen it happen?



Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins



…you will son learn that he’s (Mack) hoping for a new revolution, one of love and kindness – a revolution that revolves around Jesus and what he did for us all and what he continues to do in anyone who has hunger for reconciliation and a place to call home.



Q: Is this revolution what we call real Christianity? How can we make this happen in our homes, churches, and communities?



2 Corinthians 5:18-20 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.



Instead it (the revolution) will be the quiet daily powers of dying and serving and loving and laughing, of simple tenderness and unseen kindness, because if anything matters, then everything matters. And one day, when all is revealed, every one of us will bow our knee and confess in the power of Sarayu that Jesus is the Lord of all Creation, to the glory of Papa.



Q: How do we know that Christ is the Lord of all Creation? Where do we expect to be and what shall we hope to be doing when this moment occurs? How can we help others to experience the same?



Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.




I hope you have enjoyed this study. I’d love to hear how you have been using it or how you plan to use it. Please drop me an email at pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.



God bless you all.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The Shack: Bible Study 15


Chapter 17: Choices of the Heart



P231: Jesus gently relieved him of his burden and together they went to the shop where he had been working.



As Mack walked around the box he immediately recognized the etchings in the wood. On closer examination he discovered that details of Missy’s life were carved into the wood.



Q: What do you think of the imagery here? Where does the author draw it from? In what ways have we experienced Jesus as being our burden-carrier?



Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."



P232: Mack turned and hugged Jesus, and as they embraced, Jesus whispered into his ear, “Missy helped; she picked out what she wanted on it.”



Sarayu stepped forward. “I,” she said with a flourish and bow, “am honored to sing Missy’s song, which she wrote just for this occasion.”



Q: What do you think of the notions that Missy prepared her own funeral? How would that have helped Mack? Can we help our loved ones by doing the same? What arrangements would you like to see organized at your own funeral?



Psalm 96:1 Sing to the LORD a new song ; sing to the LORD, all the earth.



P233 Come kiss me wind and take my breath


Till you and I are one


And we will dance among the tombs


Until all death is gone.



When the task was complete, Sarayu reached within her clothing and withdrew her small, fragile bottle. From it she poured out a few drops of the precious collection into her hand and began to carefully scatter Mack’s tears onto the rich black soil under which Missy’s body slept.



Q: What were your impressions of Missy’s song? Why do you think Sarayu sang it? How do you feel about the Holy Spirit scattering Mack’s tears over Missy’s grave? What is the purpose of tears?



Psalm 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.



Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.



John 11:35 Jesus wept .



P234 Sarayu then, in her whispery breeze-blown way, turned and smiled at Mack, who had been watching transfixed. “It is a tree of life, Mack, growing in the garden of your heart.”



Papa – “You can remain with us and continue to grow and learn, or you can return to your other home, to Nan and to your children and friends. Either way, we promise to be always be with you; although this way is a little more overt and obvious.”



Q: What do you think about the choice that Papa gave to Mack? How would you have responded? Do we also feel that God is always with us?



Matt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.



2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.



2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.



P235 Papa to Mack about Missy Although she would love to be with you today, she lives where there is no impatience. She does not mind waiting.



Mack Let me ask you something. Is what I do back home important? Does it matter?



Sarayu Mack, if anything matters, then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again.



Mack And I really believe that you will never leave me or abandon me, so I am not afraid to go back. Well, maybe a little.



Q: Does everything matter? How could an act of forgiveness change the universe? How do our acts of grace, generosity, and love influence the world?



2 Corinthians 5:18-19 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.



P236 Kate believes that she is to blame for Missy’s death.



Mack to Jesus Can you keep it for me? All my best treasures are now hidden in you anyway. I want you to be my life.



“I am,” came the clear and true voice of assurance.



Q: How does Mack respond to Christ’s statement about Katie? Why does Mack give his treasures to Jesus? How can we also be assured that Christ is our life?



Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.



P237 Mack God the servant…it is more truly God, my servant.



Ha hadn’t had a chance to say good-bye, but as he thought about it, saying good-bye to God seemed a little silly. It made him smile.



He was back in the real world. Then he smiled to himself. It was more likely he was back in the un-real world.



Q: What do you think of God being our servant? Does this diminish God’s authority? What is the real world – this one or the next? Why?



John 13:12-17 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.



P238 Lost in thought, Mack simply pulled through the intersection when the light turned green. He never even saw the other driver run the opposing red light. There was only a brilliant flash of light and then nothing, except silence and inky blackness.



Q: How did you respond to this incident? Was it totally unanticipated?