Well I’ve finished my copy of Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson (In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day). Started the book on Saturday and wrapped it up today at lunch. It was a great easy read at 174 pages.
This is one of those books I’m sure my friends and family hate me reading — because I’m constantly stumbling upon great thoughts/quotes/ideas and dropping them txt messages or Tweets throughout the day to share those same thoughts.
As previously mentioned, the idea/title of the book comes from the name the Celtic Christians had for the Holy Spirit – an Geadh-Glas or “the Wild Goose.” It may seem strange calling the Holy Spirit “The Wild Goose” – especially when you consider what we typically mean when we say, “a wild goose chase” (in fact I’ve already gotten an e-mail from someone who doesn’t like the “double entendre”) — but to me I definitely identify with this image of the Holy Spirit.
When you’re following God’s plan for your life, I’ve found that it’s very rare for you to know exactly where you’re heading. And at times the path you’re heading down may seem pointless “but rest assured, God is working His plan.”
Throughout the book Batterson gives examples of six different cages we find ourselves in that keep us from truly chasing The Wild Goose. I found myself identifying with pieces of each one – but primarily the cage of responsibility.
I often find myself thinking, “I could do this – but I have other responsibilities I’m tied to.” I also find myself wanting, as Batterson puts it, for “God to provide miraculous signs before I come out of my cage.” I want God to part the river before I get my feet wet. Yet if we live our faith out this way — is it really faith?
Batterson points out that Mark concludes his witness of Jesus Christ by writing, “They went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” If we get moving, God will confirm our direction along the way. That’s probably a good reason why Batterson will frequently make note on his blog that when it comes to his ministry and church, “everything’s an experiment.” We can’t simply wait for God to show us each and every step we should take. Sometimes you just have to stop praying and actually act by stepping out on to the water.
I also love Batterson’s point about the call for Christians to react in a way that’s counter to the world’s way of reacting. Throughout this year I’ve been challenged over and over again by authors like Brian McLaren and Shane Claiborne to be a true follower of Christ’s “third-way.” Batterson summarizes and explains it simply when he says, “it is much easier to act like a Christian than it is to react like one.”
Most of us are good actors — we can play the part. But our reactions reveal who we really are. And maybe that is why Jesus focused so much of His teaching on reconditioning reflexes.
Pray for those who persecute you.
Love your enemies.
Bless those who curse you.
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.… the supernatural reaction is both counterintuitive and counterreactive. Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek. Think of it as spiritual aikido. We absorb the energy of others and convert it into a righteous response. So persecution becomes a catalyst for prayer. Hatred inspires love. And we convert curses into blessings.
Finally I was amused to re-read some of the stories Batterson’s been sharing on his blog the last year and a half. After subscribing to his blog a year or so back I often felt like I was reading a letter or a book from an old friend who’s re-telling some of the great stories of his life and laying them out as perfect illustrations for God’s love and guidance.
Skimming back through the book it seems like every page is marked to some extent. Maybe its just because this book comes at one of those points in my life where I’m feeling caught up in many of my own crazy wild goose chases, or it may just be that good of a book… you’ll just have to read it and find out for yourself.
The book drops at bookstores around the country next Tuesday – August 19th or you can pre-order it from Amazon.com via the link here in this post.
related ::
ChasetheGoose.com
Mark Batterson’s blog
SSL :: the wild goose chase
