Book Reviews

---

WHY TAKE JESUS SERIOUSLY?


Following an earlier article on why we should take the Bible seriously, we turn to Why Take Jesus Seriously? As with the previous book review article, there follows select excerpts. Accordingly, if by another designation, it constitutes a short read.
“We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Peter assured his readers, “but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). Consequently, Jacob Licht distinguishes among three branches of narrative. “Fiction is concerned with imaginary events. Its author is expected to invent them freely, or to choose them from a stock of available motifs” (Storytelling in the Bible, p. 14). Conversely, the historian is not supposed to invent anything. While he necessarily selects and arranges his material, he should not alter the hard facts. As expressed above, he witnesses to what transpired on some occasion (p. 8).
Traditional narrative, as the third branch of narrative, resembles history in that it is committed to accurately report what happened. It differs in that it extrapolates within a tradition to account for subsequent events. Licht concludes that the scriptures belong some to the former category and some to the latter. In fact, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two. What is eminently clear is that neither qualifies as fiction.
All things considered, Jesus appears to be the most enduring of historical figures (p. 12). In this regard, “All the armies that have marched and all the navies that have sailed, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned put together, have not affected the life of man upon the earth as that one solitary life” (anonymous or otherwise designated, One Solitary Life).
In a manner of speaking, the future is now when we encounter Jesus in context of the Christ of Faith. “Repent,” Jesus urged his audience, “For the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matt. 4:17). Leslie Newbigin succinctly elaborates in five connections (Sign of the Kingdom, pp. 24-26).
(1) This announces an event. “It is news. It is not the launching of a program for which supporters are needed. It is not the propounding of an ideology or a philosophy or a religious doctrine. It is in the strictest sense an announcement of an event.” It is no less an initiative, God’s initiative.
(2) It concerns the kingdom of God. In this regard, two things can be said. “First, it is cosmic in its scale.” Second, “The fact that Yahweh is king is not, in itself, news. It is part of the fundamental faith of Israel, celebrated in psalm and liturgy.”
(3) The announcement is linked to a call to repentance. It requires an about face. Of course, this involves turning from our sin. But not only the bad but the lesser good, since the latter more often hinders us from the greater good. That is, to glorify God and enjoy his presence forever.
(4) This will result not in verifiable evidence but faith. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1).
(5) This calling begins immediately. As the narrative unfolds, “a clear distinction is made between those who merely follow because they are interested, and those who are summoned into service.”
We must make a decision concerning Jesus. Why? Because it is a matter of critical importance. Not all decisions qualify. Whether I eat this or that, or nothing at a given moment matters little. How we respond to Jesus impacts on life here and now, and for the future (p. 169).
I was not raised in a church-going family. My father was during his adolescent years turned off by what he considered hypocrisy among church members. There may have been more to his passing than he would admit. His first wife died an untimely death, at about sixteen years of age. I suspect Dad had difficulty coping with the loss.
Mother made a profession of faith as a youth, and reaffirmed it on a later occasion, but it did not translate into regular church attendance. She would hear my prayers, before I climbed into bed at night. That is, at first and before I was on my own.
We had a family Bible. I recall wondering where it was, and inquired of my mother. World War II was raging at the time, and I was scheduled to report for duty shortly. I supposed that Scripture might provide some encouragement. If for others, then perhaps for me (p. 170).
The Bible contained stories concerning a number of colorful figures. None more so than Jesus. He stood out from the rest. We were reminded of his birth at Christmas time, and of his reported resurrection at Easter.
In any case, Jesus was distinctive. It primarily had to do with his God-connection. He appeared to have a handle on the religious dimension. Uniquely so! Years later, a confirmed atheist shared with me his conclusion: “If ever I were to believe in God, I think it would be in connection with Jesus.” I would probably have agreed with him as a youth (p. 171).
Time often hangs heavy in the military. For this reason among others, I began to frequent chapel services. On one occasion, the chaplain gave what I would now recognize as an invitation to accept Christ. At the time, it appeared to me that he had come emotionally unglued.
As I walked away from the chapel, a novel thought occurred to me. If there is a God, I mused, he must be a strange being. If so, he might employ alien means—such as the chaplain’s weird behavior. At that moment, I said or perhaps prayed: “If you want to put me in touch with you, I will return next Sunday. Should the chaplain act in like manner, I will take this as an indication that you are trying to get my attention.” It did not cross my mind that he might make a regular practice of doing whatever he was doing.
I returned, not knowing what to expect. The service ran its course, the hour was late, and there was no indication that the chaplain would revert to his previous behavior. I had mixed feelings. I was disappointed, but also relieved. As I was about to put away my hymn book, he started again. Not so vigorous as before, but still unmistakable (pp. 171-172).
The verse that subsequently captured my attention was “whoever comes to me I (Jesus) will never drive away” (John 6:17). I hung onto this as if a drowning person to a life preserver. When the waves of doubt swept over me, I would not relinquish my hold. That evening as I lay down to sleep, I experienced the peace of God in a way I could never have imagined. I did not suppose that the circumstances would drastically improve the next day, but it seemed that I was immeasurably better prepared to manage them.
Perhaps others can reflect on Jesus nailed to the cross, and not be moved. I must confess, I cannot do so. In any case, it is decision time. Life and eternity hang in the balance. Choose well and prosper! (p. 176).

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE