Thursday, February 29 – Pastor Bryan
I joined with 40 some other GraceWay participants at the Word Training Workshop this past weekend. We met together Friday evening and again on Saturday until early afternoon studying a 3-chapter Old Testament book among the Minor Prophets. Most of us weren’t even sure how to pronounce his name(!), let alone tell what Habakkuk’s message was. But as we repeatedly read the text, worked together to summarize and synthesize the content, there were moments when a somber hush descended on that room as we were quietly stunned by how relevant his ancient message is to our own present-day circumstances.
Pastor Michael McKittrick is a gifted teacher who equipped those gathered to read and study their Bibles more profitably by discerning the author’s intended message and desired response. I personally benefitted from his explanation of how to connect an Old Testament passage to the ministry of Christ without inappropriately allegorizing a story or importing never intended connections. Pastor Michael also reminded us how crucial it is that we move beyond the mere accumulation of biblical knowledge. Scripture was written to bring about life transformation as we apply it to our lives in ways reliant upon our Savior’s empowerment, and then in turn share this with those in our circles. My hope is that each of us would follow the example of an Israelite priest named Ezra, who got the balance just right:
“For Ezra had firmly resolved to study the Law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.”
Ezra 7:10