Hi
I remember in seminary being warned against trying to force an interpretation to the biblical text – usually what was outside of the commentaries or the original languages. No eisegesis was permissible; only exegesis. Today’s Holy Nougat reflection is more eisegesis than exegesis, but I propose that we take it as seriously as if it were part of the literal meaning.
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23:6 NIV
What if the first half was literally about how we lived and not our expectation from the Almighty? Could it be feasible for the psalmist to be saying, “in light of all Your awesome Shepherding I wish to respond with actions that pattern You – wherever I go; I will practice Your goodness and mercy!”? I think so. Here’s why
In Matthew 5, Jesus instructs the disciples to shine forth God’s light so others may come to a deeper understanding of God’s love. This suggests that we also ought to be convicted by God’s tender Shepherding. Moreover, it has long been proposed that although we are God’s sheep, we are also called to shepherd others until the return of the Good Shepherd. In fact, Ezekiel 34 doesn’t mince words concerning us shepherds and our responsibilities. Not one bit. In fact; if we extended that metaphor – our call is to be like the Good Shepherd. No excuses.
(And that takes even more of our energies than spreading goodness and mercy!) Where that leaves us is determining whether our walk is marked by those twin attributes. If goodness and mercy were to follow us; it means that our feet are truly shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. That our lives are marked by the signature of God’s goodness and mercy. Not always easy. For while we can be good to those who are good to us; mercy is loving kindness extended especially when it isn’t earned. (Ouch! I heard you talking to me also Lord), kinda like what Jesus did and does for us!
So will we accept the eisigetical challenge – to not only be encouraged by the assurance of God’s goodness and mercy being extended to our own selves; BUT also to encourage others to the Faith by extending God’s goodness and mercy to anyone we meet (especially when they didn’t earn it!)? Just imagine God’s pride when we live the nougat so that Goodness and Mercy follow wherever we go.
God bless you – walk good.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
