Peterson’s work is exegetically informed, challenging, and even daring. He took great care to understand and interpret particular passages, even if his was not the traditional approach. In this sense, his work was daring. I appreciate his willingness to let the text guide his conclusions even if I don't always agree.
Though his work was more exegetical in nature there were times when he tried to bring together various teaching on a particular theme. I most appreciated his discussion of what it means to ‘fear the Lord.’ He concludes, “In the OT, reverence or respect for God is essentially a matter of walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.” I have often wondered what exactly the Bible means when it commands us to fear God. It is now clear to me that fearing God consists mainly in obedience faithfulness, and turning from evil. Overall, Peterson’s focus on the life of the believer was helpful. True worship of God is demonstrated in the way we live. He argued throughout that the public gathering of God’s people is not only means of worshipping God. Kindness to my bothers and sisters and a life of integrity are critical aspects of my worship of God.
Peterson also argues for the importance of community. For instance he argues that the Lord’s supper is, “clearly meant to focus the eyes of the participants on one another as well as on God (219).” We are to be others focused for the purpose of edification. This means we must design church life to allow time for believers to mutually encourage one another with their gifts. I have thought about ways to do this. I am not sure I would set aside time on Sunday morning for informal sharing and prayer, but I think this would be very useful at a Wednesday or even Sunday night service. I am convinced after reading Peterson that their should be some avenue for believers to encourage one another in a more spontaneous setting. One particular aspect of this that Peterson highlights is the ministry of exhortation. Exhortation is more than just encouragment; it is a “warning on the basis of scriptural teaching (248).” These warnings play a major role in the thinking of the writer of Hebrews. They are instrumental in helping us persevere. As I considered this I realized two things. First of all, I could use more people in my life who are lovingly exhorting me on to faithfulness. Secondly, I must be much more proactive in exhorting my good friends. I realize it will be a help to them.
Lastly, I appreciated the Christ-centered nature of this book. Peterson repeatedly reminds us of the need to preach and teach on the finished work of Christ. In his chapter on Hebrews he spells this out wonderfully. We can draw near God because Christ is the perfect High Priest. “Drawing neat to God means believing the Gospel and making personal appropriation of Salvation.” Like others, I sometime feel distant from God emotionally and so it is hard for me to pray. I was encouraged that whatever my emotional condition I am able to draw near to God with full assurance. Christ has opened the way, and it does not depend on me.
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