At the time of this post, there are over 5 million copies of The Shack in print and no signs of it slowing down. If you enjoyed reading The Shack, please help me make a useful study guide for small groups and personal study. I've categorized sections of the book, and now I'm asking you to suggest questions and make comments under each section.
Thanks,
John Sawyer
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The power of forgiveness
The power of forgiveness
1. In the chapter, Festival of Friends, pages 209-217, Mack experience just the visual aspects of heaven, sees the glory of Jesus, experiences the depths of Jesus’ love for him and has a tear-filled reunion and reconciliation with his father. “’We are coming full circle. Forgiving your dad yesterday was a significant part of your being able to know me as Father today (Papa changed from an African American woman to a dignified older man). ‘” (pg. 221)
Q. Have you been deeply offended by a family member, friend, or someone you trusted? If so, what would it take for you to completely forgive them?
Q. Would it help if they were punished? If they said they were sorry? If they tried to make it up to you with some kind of compensation?
Q. What if someone else took the full punishment in their place and then offered you the priceless gift of eternal life?
Q. Jesus said, "’If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him.’ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’" (Luke 17:3-5) Why is this so hard to do? Don’t we run the risk of enabling someone to continue in sin by forgiving all the time? Why or why not?
2. Papa asked Mack to forgive Missy’s killer. ‘Mackenzie, don’t you see that forgiveness is an incredible power – a power you share with us, a power Jesus gives to all whom he indwells so that reconciliation can grow? When Jesus forgave those who nailed him to the cross they were no longer in his debt, nor mine. In my relationship with those men, I will never bring up what they did, or shame them, or embarrass them.’
‘I don’t think I can do this,’ Mack answered softly.
Q. In your opinion, how is forgiveness ‘an incredible power’ that we share with God?
Q. Mack doesn’t think he is capable of ever forgiving the man who murdered his daughter. Papa reminds him that he knows how hard forgiveness can be. When Jesus was murdered on the cross he said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) And his Father did forgive them. But even with Jesus’ example, how could a person ever forgive an unspeakable crime committed against them?
Q. Papa told Mack that the power to forgive comes from Jesus indwelling him. The Apostle Paul writes, “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you…” (Romans 8:9-10) So, as a believer in Jesus, how do I access this power to forgive?
3. ‘I want you to (forgive the murderer). Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver,’ answered Papa, ‘to release you from something that will eat you alive; that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly.
Q. The Bible says, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32) How has God forgiven you (us)?
Q. Jesus said, “Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37) When we hold a grudge against someone who has offended us, who is usually hurt the most by it? How does my lack of forgiveness affect those I love?
Q. Jesus said, ““So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (Matthew 5:23-24) How does my grudge against someone affect my relationship with God?
4. Do you think this man cares about the pain and torment you have gone through? If anything, he feeds on that knowledge. Don’t you want to cut that off? And in doing so, you’ll release him from a burden that he carries whether he knows it or not – acknowledges it or not. When you choose to forgive another, you love him well.’
‘I do not love him.’
‘Not today, you don’t. But I do Mack, not for what he’s become, but for the broken child that has been twisted by his pain. I want to help you take on that nature that finds more power in love and forgiveness than hate.’
Q. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord. Instead, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:19-21) When someone injures or offends us, what is the difference between a legitimate desire for justice and an sinful desire for revenge?
Q. Loving our enemies is counterintuitive, but, according to Paul, it is the most powerful thing we can do. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Love Wins?” Is it possible to conquer evil by doing good – by forgiving and loving our enemies ? Why or why not?
Q. Papa is asking Mack to empathize with the man who murdered his daughter because he was “twisted by his pain.” Do you think that those who victimize others are usually victims themselves? How should the abuse of those who have abuse others factor into our forgiveness?
5. “’So forgiveness does not require me to pretend what he did never happened?’
‘How can you? You forgave your dad last night. Will you ever forget what he did to you?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘But now you can love him in the face of it. His change allows for that. Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive. But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation. And sometimes – and this may seem incomprehensible to your right now – that road may even take you to the miracle of fully restored trust.’ (pg. 224-226).
Q. When we forgive someone, it feels like we’re just ‘letting ‘em off the hook.’ We want them to suffer for what they’ve done – to know it wasn’t right and never will be okay. God isn’t asking us to “pretend…it never happened.” What is God specifically asking of us when he tells us to forgive others?
Q. Sometimes the idea of reaching out so someone who has injured or offended us seems foolish because we just become vulnerable to get hurt again. People don’t really change, right? Consider the story of the Apostle Paul. He was part of the group that was violently persecuting and killing Christians (Acts 7:57-60). After his conversion he writes, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-17) Based on this passage, is there anyone that is hopeless? Is it possible for God to change the heart of even the worst sinner? Who do you know that is least likely to change? Could you restate this passage into a prayer for that person?
1. In the chapter, Festival of Friends, pages 209-217, Mack experience just the visual aspects of heaven, sees the glory of Jesus, experiences the depths of Jesus’ love for him and has a tear-filled reunion and reconciliation with his father. “’We are coming full circle. Forgiving your dad yesterday was a significant part of your being able to know me as Father today (Papa changed from an African American woman to a dignified older man). ‘” (pg. 221)
Q. Have you been deeply offended by a family member, friend, or someone you trusted? If so, what would it take for you to completely forgive them?
Q. Would it help if they were punished? If they said they were sorry? If they tried to make it up to you with some kind of compensation?
Q. What if someone else took the full punishment in their place and then offered you the priceless gift of eternal life?
Q. Jesus said, "’If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him.’ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’" (Luke 17:3-5) Why is this so hard to do? Don’t we run the risk of enabling someone to continue in sin by forgiving all the time? Why or why not?
2. Papa asked Mack to forgive Missy’s killer. ‘Mackenzie, don’t you see that forgiveness is an incredible power – a power you share with us, a power Jesus gives to all whom he indwells so that reconciliation can grow? When Jesus forgave those who nailed him to the cross they were no longer in his debt, nor mine. In my relationship with those men, I will never bring up what they did, or shame them, or embarrass them.’
‘I don’t think I can do this,’ Mack answered softly.
Q. In your opinion, how is forgiveness ‘an incredible power’ that we share with God?
Q. Mack doesn’t think he is capable of ever forgiving the man who murdered his daughter. Papa reminds him that he knows how hard forgiveness can be. When Jesus was murdered on the cross he said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) And his Father did forgive them. But even with Jesus’ example, how could a person ever forgive an unspeakable crime committed against them?
Q. Papa told Mack that the power to forgive comes from Jesus indwelling him. The Apostle Paul writes, “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you…” (Romans 8:9-10) So, as a believer in Jesus, how do I access this power to forgive?
3. ‘I want you to (forgive the murderer). Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver,’ answered Papa, ‘to release you from something that will eat you alive; that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly.
Q. The Bible says, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32) How has God forgiven you (us)?
Q. Jesus said, “Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37) When we hold a grudge against someone who has offended us, who is usually hurt the most by it? How does my lack of forgiveness affect those I love?
Q. Jesus said, ““So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (Matthew 5:23-24) How does my grudge against someone affect my relationship with God?
4. Do you think this man cares about the pain and torment you have gone through? If anything, he feeds on that knowledge. Don’t you want to cut that off? And in doing so, you’ll release him from a burden that he carries whether he knows it or not – acknowledges it or not. When you choose to forgive another, you love him well.’
‘I do not love him.’
‘Not today, you don’t. But I do Mack, not for what he’s become, but for the broken child that has been twisted by his pain. I want to help you take on that nature that finds more power in love and forgiveness than hate.’
Q. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord. Instead, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:19-21) When someone injures or offends us, what is the difference between a legitimate desire for justice and an sinful desire for revenge?
Q. Loving our enemies is counterintuitive, but, according to Paul, it is the most powerful thing we can do. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Love Wins?” Is it possible to conquer evil by doing good – by forgiving and loving our enemies ? Why or why not?
Q. Papa is asking Mack to empathize with the man who murdered his daughter because he was “twisted by his pain.” Do you think that those who victimize others are usually victims themselves? How should the abuse of those who have abuse others factor into our forgiveness?
5. “’So forgiveness does not require me to pretend what he did never happened?’
‘How can you? You forgave your dad last night. Will you ever forget what he did to you?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘But now you can love him in the face of it. His change allows for that. Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive. But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation. And sometimes – and this may seem incomprehensible to your right now – that road may even take you to the miracle of fully restored trust.’ (pg. 224-226).
Q. When we forgive someone, it feels like we’re just ‘letting ‘em off the hook.’ We want them to suffer for what they’ve done – to know it wasn’t right and never will be okay. God isn’t asking us to “pretend…it never happened.” What is God specifically asking of us when he tells us to forgive others?
Q. Sometimes the idea of reaching out so someone who has injured or offended us seems foolish because we just become vulnerable to get hurt again. People don’t really change, right? Consider the story of the Apostle Paul. He was part of the group that was violently persecuting and killing Christians (Acts 7:57-60). After his conversion he writes, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-17) Based on this passage, is there anyone that is hopeless? Is it possible for God to change the heart of even the worst sinner? Who do you know that is least likely to change? Could you restate this passage into a prayer for that person?
The effects of the fall
The effects of the fall
1. “’When something happens to you, how do you determine whether it is good or evil?’
‘Mack thought for a moment before answering. ‘Well, something is good when I like it – when it makes me feel good or gives me a sense of security. Conversely, I’d call something evil that causes me pain or costs me something I want.’
‘So it is pretty subjective then?’
‘I guess it is.’”
Q. What if everyone determined good and evil the way Mack does? What would the results be?
Q. How would you answer Papa’s question? How do you decide when something is good or bad?
2. “‘And how confident are you in your ability to discern what indeed is good for you, or what is evil?’
‘To be honest,’ said Mack, ‘I tend to sound justifiably angry when somebody is threatening my ‘good,’ you know, what I think I deserve. But I’m not really sure I have any logical ground for deciding what is actually good or evil, except how something or someone effects me. …All seems quite self-serving and self-centered, I suppose. And my track record isn’t very encouraging either. Some things I initially thought were good turned out to be horribly destructive, and some things that I thought were evil, well, they turned out …’
Sarayu interrupted, ‘Then it is you who determines good and evil. You become the judge. And to make things more confusing, that which you determine to be good will change over time and circumstance. And then beyond that and even worse, there are billions of you each determining what is good and what is evil. So when your good and evil clashes with your neighbor’s, fights and arguments ensue and even wars break out. And if there is no reality of good that is absolute, then you have lost any basis for judging. It is just language, and one might as well exchange the word good for the word evil.’
‘I can see where that might be a problem,’ Mack agreed.
‘A problem?’ Sarayu almost snapped…’Indeed! The choice to eat of that tree tore the universe apart divorcing the spiritual from the physical. They died, expelling in the breath of their choice the very breath of God. I would say that is a problem!’ (pg. 134-135)
Q. What powerful ability do we share with God? How does God want us to use our ability to discern between good and evil? What do we need from God to use this ability to help others rather than harm them?
Q. How does our culture feel about an absolute moral guide?
Q. Is it really wrong for us to judge? Don’t we have to make judgments about people and situations to determine if they are good for us or our family? What is the difference between appropriate ‘discernment’ and inappropriate judging?
Q. Mack is being honest about his judgment. He realizes it is “self-serving and self-centered.” Jesus said, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1-2) Based on this passage, how should be approach the evaluation of others?
Q. How did Adam and Eve’s choice to eat the forbidden fruit – the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil – “divorce the spiritual from the physical” and “expel the very breath of God?” (See Genesis 3) How would our lives be different if they hadn’t made this decision?
3. “You imagine. Such a powerful ability, the imagination! That power alone makes you so like us. But without wisdom, imagination is a cruel taskmaster. If I may prove my case, do you think humans were designed to live in the present or the past or the future?’
‘Well,’ said Mack, hesitating, ‘I think the most obvious answer is that we were designed to live in the present. Is that wrong?’
‘Jesus chuckled. ‘Relax, Mack; this is not a test, it’s a conversation. You are exactly correct, by the way. But now tell me, where do you spend most of your time in your mind, in your imagination, in the present, in the past, or in the future?’
‘Mack thought for a moment before answering. ‘I suppose I would have to say that I spend very little time in the present. For me, I spend a big piece in the past, mot most of the rest of the time, I am trying to figure out the future.’
‘Not unlike most people. When I dwell with you, I do so in the present – I live in the present. Not the past, although much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay. And for sure, I do not dwell in the future you visualize or imagine. Mack, do you realize that your imagination of the future, which is almost always dictated by fear of some kind, rarely, if ever, pictures me there with you?
‘Why do I do that?’ asked Mack.
‘It is your desperate attempt to get some control over something you can’t. It is impossible for you to take power over the future because it isn’t even real, nor will ever be real. You try and play God, imagining the evil that you fear becoming a reality, and then you try to make plans and contingencies to avoid what you fear.’ (pg. 141-142)
Q. Do you find yourself living mostly in past, present, or future? Why is this? What problems does this focus on the past or the future create in our lives?
Q. Like Mack, do you find yourself fearing the future? Especially during these times of financial turmoil, it’s hard not to give in to anxious thoughts about the future. How can we overcome this ‘bad habit?’
Q. Have you ever tried to “play God” by making contingency plans for the future? How has it worked for you? Can you remember times when you were able to trust God with the future? What was the result?
4. “Why do I have so much fear in my life?’ responded Mack.
‘Because you don’t believe. You don’t know that we love you. The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love. I am not talking about rational fears regarding legitimate dangers, but imagined fears, and especially the projection of those into the future. To the degree that those fears have a place in your life, you neither believe I am good nor know deep in your heart that I love you. You sing about it; you talk about it, but you don’t know it.’ (pg. 142)
Q. How would you answer Mack’s question? “Why do I (we) have so much fear in my life (our lives)?”
Q. Paul wrote, “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) How does it help to know that no matter what happens in the future, you’ll always be loved by God?
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) How does God want us to view the future? (See 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7, and Matthew 6:25-33)
5. “’…Can you imagine this scene if the earth was not a war, striving so hard just to survive?’
‘And you mean what, exactly?’
‘Our earth is like a child who has grown up without parents, having no one to guide and direct her.’ As Jesus spoke, his voice intensified in subdued anguish. ‘Some have attempted to help her but most have simply tried to use her. Humans, who have been given the task to lovingly steer the world, instead plunder her with no consideration, other than their own immediate needs. And they give little thought for their own children who will inherit their lack of love. So they use her and abuse her will little consideration and then when she shudders or blows her breath, they are offended and raise their fist at God.’
‘You’re an ecologist?’ Mack said, half as an accusation.
‘This blue-green ball in black space, filled with beauty even now, battered and abused and lovely.’
‘I know that song. You must care deeply about the Creation,’ smiled Mack.
‘Well, this blue-green ball in black space belongs to me,’ Jesus stated emphatically.” (pg.144-145)
Q. The Bible says we humans were given responsibility to care for the earth. “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26) How are we doing? Why?
Q. Jesus quotes a lyric from the Bruce Cockburn album Humans, “This blue-green ball in black space, filled with beauty even now, battered and abused and lovely.” In your opinion, who is abusing the earth and why? Is there anything the average person can do to stop the abuse?
Q. What responsibility do we have to protect the earth? What should God’s children be doing personally, corporately (as a member of the church), nationally (as a citizen)?
1. “’When something happens to you, how do you determine whether it is good or evil?’
‘Mack thought for a moment before answering. ‘Well, something is good when I like it – when it makes me feel good or gives me a sense of security. Conversely, I’d call something evil that causes me pain or costs me something I want.’
‘So it is pretty subjective then?’
‘I guess it is.’”
Q. What if everyone determined good and evil the way Mack does? What would the results be?
Q. How would you answer Papa’s question? How do you decide when something is good or bad?
2. “‘And how confident are you in your ability to discern what indeed is good for you, or what is evil?’
‘To be honest,’ said Mack, ‘I tend to sound justifiably angry when somebody is threatening my ‘good,’ you know, what I think I deserve. But I’m not really sure I have any logical ground for deciding what is actually good or evil, except how something or someone effects me. …All seems quite self-serving and self-centered, I suppose. And my track record isn’t very encouraging either. Some things I initially thought were good turned out to be horribly destructive, and some things that I thought were evil, well, they turned out …’
Sarayu interrupted, ‘Then it is you who determines good and evil. You become the judge. And to make things more confusing, that which you determine to be good will change over time and circumstance. And then beyond that and even worse, there are billions of you each determining what is good and what is evil. So when your good and evil clashes with your neighbor’s, fights and arguments ensue and even wars break out. And if there is no reality of good that is absolute, then you have lost any basis for judging. It is just language, and one might as well exchange the word good for the word evil.’
‘I can see where that might be a problem,’ Mack agreed.
‘A problem?’ Sarayu almost snapped…’Indeed! The choice to eat of that tree tore the universe apart divorcing the spiritual from the physical. They died, expelling in the breath of their choice the very breath of God. I would say that is a problem!’ (pg. 134-135)
Q. What powerful ability do we share with God? How does God want us to use our ability to discern between good and evil? What do we need from God to use this ability to help others rather than harm them?
Q. How does our culture feel about an absolute moral guide?
Q. Is it really wrong for us to judge? Don’t we have to make judgments about people and situations to determine if they are good for us or our family? What is the difference between appropriate ‘discernment’ and inappropriate judging?
Q. Mack is being honest about his judgment. He realizes it is “self-serving and self-centered.” Jesus said, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1-2) Based on this passage, how should be approach the evaluation of others?
Q. How did Adam and Eve’s choice to eat the forbidden fruit – the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil – “divorce the spiritual from the physical” and “expel the very breath of God?” (See Genesis 3) How would our lives be different if they hadn’t made this decision?
3. “You imagine. Such a powerful ability, the imagination! That power alone makes you so like us. But without wisdom, imagination is a cruel taskmaster. If I may prove my case, do you think humans were designed to live in the present or the past or the future?’
‘Well,’ said Mack, hesitating, ‘I think the most obvious answer is that we were designed to live in the present. Is that wrong?’
‘Jesus chuckled. ‘Relax, Mack; this is not a test, it’s a conversation. You are exactly correct, by the way. But now tell me, where do you spend most of your time in your mind, in your imagination, in the present, in the past, or in the future?’
‘Mack thought for a moment before answering. ‘I suppose I would have to say that I spend very little time in the present. For me, I spend a big piece in the past, mot most of the rest of the time, I am trying to figure out the future.’
‘Not unlike most people. When I dwell with you, I do so in the present – I live in the present. Not the past, although much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay. And for sure, I do not dwell in the future you visualize or imagine. Mack, do you realize that your imagination of the future, which is almost always dictated by fear of some kind, rarely, if ever, pictures me there with you?
‘Why do I do that?’ asked Mack.
‘It is your desperate attempt to get some control over something you can’t. It is impossible for you to take power over the future because it isn’t even real, nor will ever be real. You try and play God, imagining the evil that you fear becoming a reality, and then you try to make plans and contingencies to avoid what you fear.’ (pg. 141-142)
Q. Do you find yourself living mostly in past, present, or future? Why is this? What problems does this focus on the past or the future create in our lives?
Q. Like Mack, do you find yourself fearing the future? Especially during these times of financial turmoil, it’s hard not to give in to anxious thoughts about the future. How can we overcome this ‘bad habit?’
Q. Have you ever tried to “play God” by making contingency plans for the future? How has it worked for you? Can you remember times when you were able to trust God with the future? What was the result?
4. “Why do I have so much fear in my life?’ responded Mack.
‘Because you don’t believe. You don’t know that we love you. The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love. I am not talking about rational fears regarding legitimate dangers, but imagined fears, and especially the projection of those into the future. To the degree that those fears have a place in your life, you neither believe I am good nor know deep in your heart that I love you. You sing about it; you talk about it, but you don’t know it.’ (pg. 142)
Q. How would you answer Mack’s question? “Why do I (we) have so much fear in my life (our lives)?”
Q. Paul wrote, “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) How does it help to know that no matter what happens in the future, you’ll always be loved by God?
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) How does God want us to view the future? (See 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7, and Matthew 6:25-33)
5. “’…Can you imagine this scene if the earth was not a war, striving so hard just to survive?’
‘And you mean what, exactly?’
‘Our earth is like a child who has grown up without parents, having no one to guide and direct her.’ As Jesus spoke, his voice intensified in subdued anguish. ‘Some have attempted to help her but most have simply tried to use her. Humans, who have been given the task to lovingly steer the world, instead plunder her with no consideration, other than their own immediate needs. And they give little thought for their own children who will inherit their lack of love. So they use her and abuse her will little consideration and then when she shudders or blows her breath, they are offended and raise their fist at God.’
‘You’re an ecologist?’ Mack said, half as an accusation.
‘This blue-green ball in black space, filled with beauty even now, battered and abused and lovely.’
‘I know that song. You must care deeply about the Creation,’ smiled Mack.
‘Well, this blue-green ball in black space belongs to me,’ Jesus stated emphatically.” (pg.144-145)
Q. The Bible says we humans were given responsibility to care for the earth. “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26) How are we doing? Why?
Q. Jesus quotes a lyric from the Bruce Cockburn album Humans, “This blue-green ball in black space, filled with beauty even now, battered and abused and lovely.” In your opinion, who is abusing the earth and why? Is there anything the average person can do to stop the abuse?
Q. What responsibility do we have to protect the earth? What should God’s children be doing personally, corporately (as a member of the church), nationally (as a citizen)?
The mystery of God’s grace
1. “’ Well, I sort of feel obligated to go in and talk to him, uh, her.’ ‘Oh,’ now Jesus was serious. ‘Don’t go because you feel obligated. That won’t get you any points around here. Go because it’s what you want to do.’” (pg. 89)
Q. Do you ever go to church, pray, give your tithe, or read your Bible out of a sense of duty or obligation? If we don’t genuinely want to do these things, should we just wait until our desire for God is real?
Q. The author of Hebrews wrote, “Since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:21-22) Is your hesitance to meet with God ever a result of a guilty conscience? If so, what can you do to remove this barrier?
Q. Do you go to God to talk with him about your questions and problems? If so, could you share with the group an experience you’ve had of God responding to you?
2. “’Have you noticed that in your pain you assume the worst of me (Jesus)? I’ve been talking to you for a long time, but today was the first time you could hear it, and all those other times weren’t a waste either. Like little cracks in the wall, one at a time, but woven together they prepared you for today. You have to take the time to prepare the soil if you want it to embrace the seed.’
‘I’m not sure why we resist it, resist you so much,’ Mack mused. ‘It seems kind of stupid now.’
‘It’s all part of the timing of grace, Mack,’ Jesus continued. ‘If the universe contained only one human being, timing would be rather simple. But add just one more, and well, you know the story. Each choice ripples out through time and relationships, bouncing off of other choices. And out of what seems to be a huge mess, Papa weaves a magnificent tapestry. Only Papa can work all this out, and she does it with grace.’
‘So I guess all I can do is follow her,’ Mack concluded.
‘Yep, that’s the point. Now you’re beginning to understand what it means to be truly human.’” (pg. 176-177)
Q. When pain comes into our lives, why do we automatically assume the worst of God – that he allowed the situation, that he doesn’t care, won’t help, etc.? Why do we tend to push away the one who can help us most?
Q. Stephen accused the Jews, “You continue, so bullheaded! Calluses on your hearts, flaps on your ears! Deliberately ignoring the Holy Spirit, you're just like your ancestors.” (Acts 7:51, The Message) Do you think God is trying to get a message to you right now? What or who might he use? How can you prepare your heart to hear his voice?
Q. What do we learn about God by His persistence in trying to speak to us?
Q. How would you define ‘grace?’ How should we respond to it?
Q. Jesus tells Mack that God is able to take all of the good and bad choices we humans make and “weave them together in a magnificent tapestry” by his grace. Paul wrote, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28) When we all see this “tapestry” of random events, what will our response be? (See Revelation 5)
3. “’Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn’t mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don’t ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn’t depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors.’” (pg. 185)
Q. Some Christians believe that God is ‘sovereign’ – that he rules over every circumstance. Nothing happens without his permission and plan (Daniel 4:35). Others believe he is behind the scenes working good out of bad situations (Romans 8:28) but allowing circumstances to happen but not causing them. Which do you think is taught by the Bible? Why? What are the implications of these two different viewpoints?
Q. If, like Mack, you lost a child or grandchild to a deranged murderer, how would you reconcile the tragedy with your belief in a loving God? (See Job 1:18-22)
Q. How have you discovered the ‘many facets and colors’ of God’s grace during your dark times?
Q. Sometimes we develop doubts and wrong ideas about God during our trials. What will keep us from ‘the great sadness’ that Mack was trapped in? (See James 1:2-4)
Q. Do you ever go to church, pray, give your tithe, or read your Bible out of a sense of duty or obligation? If we don’t genuinely want to do these things, should we just wait until our desire for God is real?
Q. The author of Hebrews wrote, “Since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:21-22) Is your hesitance to meet with God ever a result of a guilty conscience? If so, what can you do to remove this barrier?
Q. Do you go to God to talk with him about your questions and problems? If so, could you share with the group an experience you’ve had of God responding to you?
2. “’Have you noticed that in your pain you assume the worst of me (Jesus)? I’ve been talking to you for a long time, but today was the first time you could hear it, and all those other times weren’t a waste either. Like little cracks in the wall, one at a time, but woven together they prepared you for today. You have to take the time to prepare the soil if you want it to embrace the seed.’
‘I’m not sure why we resist it, resist you so much,’ Mack mused. ‘It seems kind of stupid now.’
‘It’s all part of the timing of grace, Mack,’ Jesus continued. ‘If the universe contained only one human being, timing would be rather simple. But add just one more, and well, you know the story. Each choice ripples out through time and relationships, bouncing off of other choices. And out of what seems to be a huge mess, Papa weaves a magnificent tapestry. Only Papa can work all this out, and she does it with grace.’
‘So I guess all I can do is follow her,’ Mack concluded.
‘Yep, that’s the point. Now you’re beginning to understand what it means to be truly human.’” (pg. 176-177)
Q. When pain comes into our lives, why do we automatically assume the worst of God – that he allowed the situation, that he doesn’t care, won’t help, etc.? Why do we tend to push away the one who can help us most?
Q. Stephen accused the Jews, “You continue, so bullheaded! Calluses on your hearts, flaps on your ears! Deliberately ignoring the Holy Spirit, you're just like your ancestors.” (Acts 7:51, The Message) Do you think God is trying to get a message to you right now? What or who might he use? How can you prepare your heart to hear his voice?
Q. What do we learn about God by His persistence in trying to speak to us?
Q. How would you define ‘grace?’ How should we respond to it?
Q. Jesus tells Mack that God is able to take all of the good and bad choices we humans make and “weave them together in a magnificent tapestry” by his grace. Paul wrote, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28) When we all see this “tapestry” of random events, what will our response be? (See Revelation 5)
3. “’Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn’t mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don’t ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn’t depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors.’” (pg. 185)
Q. Some Christians believe that God is ‘sovereign’ – that he rules over every circumstance. Nothing happens without his permission and plan (Daniel 4:35). Others believe he is behind the scenes working good out of bad situations (Romans 8:28) but allowing circumstances to happen but not causing them. Which do you think is taught by the Bible? Why? What are the implications of these two different viewpoints?
Q. If, like Mack, you lost a child or grandchild to a deranged murderer, how would you reconcile the tragedy with your belief in a loving God? (See Job 1:18-22)
Q. How have you discovered the ‘many facets and colors’ of God’s grace during your dark times?
Q. Sometimes we develop doubts and wrong ideas about God during our trials. What will keep us from ‘the great sadness’ that Mack was trapped in? (See James 1:2-4)
The mystery of God’s love
The mystery of God’s love
1. “’Consider our little friend here (blue jay),’ she (Papa) began. ‘Most birds were created to fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly, not the other way around. You, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation, not the other way around. Living unloved is like clipping a bird’s wings and removing its ability to fly. Not something I want for you.” (pg. 97)
Q. “You were created to be loved.” The Bible describes us as, “Those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:1) Why is it important to know, and really believe, that we were created to be loved? Why do we live as if we are unloved?
Q. What has God done to show his love to us? (See John 3:16, Ephesians 5:25, 1 John 4:10)
Q. What has made you question God’s love? How do circumstances in your life affect your belief in God’s love?
Q. How do humans (family, friends, other Christians) affect your confidence in God’s love for you?
Q. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) If you could fully accept the truth of these words, how would it change your identity? How could it help you ‘fly?’
2. “’You do understand,’ she continued, ‘that unless I had an object to love – or more accurately, a someone to love – if I did not have such a relationship within myself, then I would not be capable of love at all? You would have a god who could not love. Or maybe worse, you would have a god who, when he chose, could only love as a limitation of his nature. That kind of god could possibly act without love, and that would be a disaster. And that is surely not me. …The God who is – the I am who I am – cannot act apart from love.’” (pg.102)
Q. Why is it so important that one of God’s attributes is love? How might this world be a different place if God could only love ‘as a limitation of his nature’ rather than as a essential part of who he is?
Q. What is love? Webster defines it as “unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as in the fatherly concern of God for humankind.” We usually think of a loving parent as someone who provides everything we need and protects us from harm. How does this compare to your experience of God’s love in your life?
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” (1 John 4:7-9) Based on God’s gift of his son to this world, how does God define love?
Q. How does the assurance that God ‘cannot act apart from love’ affect your relationship with him?
3. “’ I’m so sorry that you, that Jesus, had to die.’
She walked around the table and gave Mack another big hug. ‘I know you are, and thank you. But you need to know that we aren’t sorry at all. It was worth it. Isn’t that right son?’
‘Absolutely!’ He (Jesus) paused and then looked at Mack. ‘And I would have done it even if it were only for you, but it wasn’t!’ he said with an inviting grin.” (pg. 103)
Q. Why did Jesus have to die?
Q. What does every person for who Jesus died have to realize to benefit from his sacrifice?
Q. The Prophet Isaiah wrote about Jesus’ death on the cross in Isaiah 53:11, “When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied.” Jesus looks at those who have been delivered from eternal judgment by his tortured sacrifice on the cross and says we were worth it - worth the anguish, the pain, the awful judgment of God for our sins, worth death. How does knowing that God values you this much make you feel about yourself?
4. “’Why do you love us humans? I suppose, I…’ As he spoke he (Mack) realized he hadn’t formed his question very well. ‘I guess what I want to ask, is why do you love me, when I have nothing to offer you.’
‘If you think about it, Mack,’ Jesus answered, ‘it should be very freeing to know that you can offer us nothing, at least not anything that can add or take away from who we are…That should alleviate any pressure to perform.’
‘And do you love your own children more when they perform well?’ added Papa.
‘No, I see your point.’ Mack paused. ‘But I do feel more fulfilled because they are in my life – do you?’
‘No,’ said Papa. ‘We are already fully fulfilled within ourself. You are designed to be in community as well, made as you are in our very image. So for you to feel that way about your children, or anything that ‘adds’ to you, is perfectly natural and right.”
Q. Why does God love us humans?
Q. How does a clear understanding of God’s love ‘alleviate any pressure to perform?
Q. Is there anything we can add to God when we respond to his love? Why or why not?
Q. How is our love different from God’s love?
Q. Is it possible for us to be completely fulfilled by experiencing God’s love more deeply? (See Ephesians 3:14-20)
1. “’Consider our little friend here (blue jay),’ she (Papa) began. ‘Most birds were created to fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly, not the other way around. You, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation, not the other way around. Living unloved is like clipping a bird’s wings and removing its ability to fly. Not something I want for you.” (pg. 97)
Q. “You were created to be loved.” The Bible describes us as, “Those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:1) Why is it important to know, and really believe, that we were created to be loved? Why do we live as if we are unloved?
Q. What has God done to show his love to us? (See John 3:16, Ephesians 5:25, 1 John 4:10)
Q. What has made you question God’s love? How do circumstances in your life affect your belief in God’s love?
Q. How do humans (family, friends, other Christians) affect your confidence in God’s love for you?
Q. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) If you could fully accept the truth of these words, how would it change your identity? How could it help you ‘fly?’
2. “’You do understand,’ she continued, ‘that unless I had an object to love – or more accurately, a someone to love – if I did not have such a relationship within myself, then I would not be capable of love at all? You would have a god who could not love. Or maybe worse, you would have a god who, when he chose, could only love as a limitation of his nature. That kind of god could possibly act without love, and that would be a disaster. And that is surely not me. …The God who is – the I am who I am – cannot act apart from love.’” (pg.102)
Q. Why is it so important that one of God’s attributes is love? How might this world be a different place if God could only love ‘as a limitation of his nature’ rather than as a essential part of who he is?
Q. What is love? Webster defines it as “unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as in the fatherly concern of God for humankind.” We usually think of a loving parent as someone who provides everything we need and protects us from harm. How does this compare to your experience of God’s love in your life?
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” (1 John 4:7-9) Based on God’s gift of his son to this world, how does God define love?
Q. How does the assurance that God ‘cannot act apart from love’ affect your relationship with him?
3. “’ I’m so sorry that you, that Jesus, had to die.’
She walked around the table and gave Mack another big hug. ‘I know you are, and thank you. But you need to know that we aren’t sorry at all. It was worth it. Isn’t that right son?’
‘Absolutely!’ He (Jesus) paused and then looked at Mack. ‘And I would have done it even if it were only for you, but it wasn’t!’ he said with an inviting grin.” (pg. 103)
Q. Why did Jesus have to die?
Q. What does every person for who Jesus died have to realize to benefit from his sacrifice?
Q. The Prophet Isaiah wrote about Jesus’ death on the cross in Isaiah 53:11, “When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied.” Jesus looks at those who have been delivered from eternal judgment by his tortured sacrifice on the cross and says we were worth it - worth the anguish, the pain, the awful judgment of God for our sins, worth death. How does knowing that God values you this much make you feel about yourself?
4. “’Why do you love us humans? I suppose, I…’ As he spoke he (Mack) realized he hadn’t formed his question very well. ‘I guess what I want to ask, is why do you love me, when I have nothing to offer you.’
‘If you think about it, Mack,’ Jesus answered, ‘it should be very freeing to know that you can offer us nothing, at least not anything that can add or take away from who we are…That should alleviate any pressure to perform.’
‘And do you love your own children more when they perform well?’ added Papa.
‘No, I see your point.’ Mack paused. ‘But I do feel more fulfilled because they are in my life – do you?’
‘No,’ said Papa. ‘We are already fully fulfilled within ourself. You are designed to be in community as well, made as you are in our very image. So for you to feel that way about your children, or anything that ‘adds’ to you, is perfectly natural and right.”
Q. Why does God love us humans?
Q. How does a clear understanding of God’s love ‘alleviate any pressure to perform?
Q. Is there anything we can add to God when we respond to his love? Why or why not?
Q. How is our love different from God’s love?
Q. Is it possible for us to be completely fulfilled by experiencing God’s love more deeply? (See Ephesians 3:14-20)
The mystery of God’s justice
The mystery of God’s justice
1. “’Why do you think we came up with the Ten Commandments?’
‘I suppose, at least I have been taught, that it’s a set of rules that you expected humans to obey in order to life righteously in your good graces.’
‘If that were true, which it is not,’ Sarayu countered, ‘then how many do you think lived righteously enough to enter our good graces?’
‘Not very many, if people are like me,’ Mack observed.
‘Actually, only one succeeded – Jesus. He not only obeyed the letter of the law but fulfilled the spirit of it completely. But understand this, Mackenzie – to do that he had to rest fully and dependently on me.’
Q. How many of the Ten Commandments can you recite from memory? (See Exodus 20: 1-17) How have you done at keeping them?
Q. The Apostle Paul wrote, “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13) How does it make you feel to know that God cancels the record of your failures through the death of Christ?
Q. Is it possible for us to keep God’s commandments if we ‘rest fully and dependently’ on him? (See Romans 8:1-11)
2. ‘They why did you give us those commandments?’ asked Mack.
‘Actually, we wanted you to give up trying to be righteous on your own. It was a mirror to reveal just how filthy your face gets when you live independently.’
‘But as I’m sure you know there are many,’ responded Mack, ‘who think they are made righteous by following the rules.’
‘But can you clean you face with the same mirror that shows you how dirty you are? There is no mercy or grace in rules, not even for one mistake. That’s why Jesus fulfilled all of it for you – so that it no longer has jurisdiction over you. And the Law that once contained impossible demands – Thou Shall Not… - actually becomes a promise we fulfill in you. But keep in mind that if you live your life alone and independently, the promise is empty. Jesus laid the demand of the law to rest; it no longer has any power to accuse or command. Jesus is both the promise and its fulfillment.’
Q. Why do you think God gave us the Ten Commandments? (See Galatians 3:10-23)
Q. If no one but Jesus has successfully obeyed God’s law, does that mean we just throw up our hands and stop trying? (See Romans 3:9-31)
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “The law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17) How would it change your relationship with God if there was no ‘mercy or grace’ – just rules to keep?
3. ‘Are you saying I don’t have to follow the rules?’
‘Yes. In Jesus you are not under any law. All things are lawful.’
‘You can’t be serious! You’re messing with me again,’ moaned Mack.
‘Mackenzie,’ Sarayu continued, ‘those who are afraid of freedom are those who cannot trust us to live in them. Trying to keep the law is actually a declaration of independence, a way of keeping control.’
‘Is that why we like the law so much – to give us some control?’ asked Mack.
‘It is much worse than that,’ resumed Sarayu. ‘It grants you the power to judge others and feel superior to them. You believe you are living to a higher standard than those you judge. Enforcing rules, especially in its more subtle expressions like responsibility and expectation, is a vain attempt to create certainty out of uncertainty. And contrary to what you might think, I have a great fondness for uncertainty. Rules cannot bring freedom; they only have the power to accuse.’
Q. Why aren’t Jesus followers under the law? (See Galatians 5:18)
Q. Why do some of us prefer to be under the law? What does our addiction to rules say about us?
Q. Sarayu says, “Trying to keep the law is actually a declaration of independence, a way of keeping control.” What do you think she meant by this? How do we twist God’s law to accomplish our purposes?
Q. One reason many people are turned off by religion is the tendency of Christians to judge others. Have you ever experience the condemnation of someone who thinks they are better than you? How did it make you feel? What does the Bible say about judging others? (See Matthew 7:1-3, Romans 14, and James 4:11-12)
Q. Paul wrote, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable All things are lawful, but not all things edify.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24) Is God giving us the freedom to decide what is beneficial for us? How are you doing at this?
Q. In his letter to the Galatian (5:13-14) Christians, Paul wrote, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” Instead of the 10 commandments, what is the new guide for our behavior? Give yourself an honest evaluation. How are you doing at loving your neighbor? (See Jesus definition of ‘neighbor’ in Luke 10)
4. ‘Whoa!’ Mack suddenly realized what Sarayu had said. ‘Are you telling me that responsibility and expectation are just another form of rules we are no longer under? Did I hear you right?’
Sarayu…began to speak slowly and deliberately. ‘Mackenzie, I will take a verb over a noun anytime.’
Mack wasn’t at all sure about what he was supposed to understand by her cryptic remark and said the only thing that came to mind. ‘Huh?’
‘I,’ she opened her hands to include Jesus and Papa, ‘I am a verb. I am that I am. I will be who I will be. I am a verb! As my very essence is a verb,’ she continued, ‘I am more attuned to verbs than nouns. Verbs such as confessing, repenting, living, loving, responding, growing, reaping, changing, sowing, running, dancing, singing, and on and on. Humans, on the other hand, have a knack for taking a verb that is alive and full of grace and turning it into some dead noun or principle that reeks of rules: something growing and alive dies. Nouns exist because there is a created universe and physical reality, but if the universe is only a mass of nouns, it is dead. Unless ‘I am,’ there are no verbs, and verbs are what makes the universe alive.’
Q. Why does Sarayu prefer a verb over a noun? What does it mean that ‘God is a verb?’
Q. If the universe were only a ‘mass of nouns’ what would the problem be? How does God, the great ‘I AM,’ make the universe alive?
Q. How do we take God’s verbs and turn them into nouns that ‘reek of rules?’
Q. Does Sarayu mean that we don’t need to concern ourselves with ‘responsibility and expectations’ in our relationships with God and others? What is her point?
5. ‘And,’ Mack was struggling, although a glimmer of light seemed to begin to shine into his mind. ‘And, this means what, exactly?’
‘For something to move from death to life you must introduce something living and moving into the mix. To move from something that is only a noun to something dynamic and unpredictable, to do something living and present tense, is to move from law to grace. May I give you a couple examples?’
‘Please do,’ assented Mack. ‘I’m all ears.’
‘Then let’s use your two words: responsibility and expectation. Before your words became nouns, the were first my words, nouns with movement and experience buried inside of them; the ability to respond and expectancy. My words are alive and dynamic – full of life and possibility; yours are dead, full of law and fear and judgment. That is why you won’t find the word responsibility in the Scriptures.’
‘Oh boy,’ Mack grimaced, beginning to see where this was going. ‘We sure seem to use it a lot.’
‘Religion must use law to empower itself and control the people who they need in order to survive. I give you an ability to respond and your response is to be free to love and serve in every situation, and therefore each moment is different and unique and wonderful. Because I am your ability to respond, I have to be present in you. If I simply gave you a responsibility, I would not have to be with you at all. It would now be a task to perform, an obligation to be met, something to fail. Let’s use the example of friendship and how removing the element of life from a noun can drastically alter a relationship. Mack, if you and I are friends, there is an expectancy that exists within our relationship. When we see each other or are apart, there is an expectancy of being together, of laughing and talking. That expectancy has no concrete definition’ it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else. But what happens if I change that ‘expectancy’ to an ‘expectation’ – spoken or unspoken? Suddenly, law has entered into our relationship. You are now expected to perform in a way that meets my expectations. Our living friendship rapidly deteriorates into a dead thing with rules and requirements. It is no longer about you and me, but about what friends are supposed to do, or the responsibilities of a good friend.’
Q. How are nouns like the law and verbs like grace?
Q. Sarayu says, “Religion must use law to empower itself and control the people who they need in order to survive.” Have you heard of or experienced examples of this in your life? What does want his people to represent?
Q. What if all of the responsibilities and expectations were removed from the church you attend? What would happen to attendance? What about the offerings?
Q. Is there a place for ‘duty’ in our relationship with God and others? If so, what is it? (See Luke 17:10 and 1 Corinthians 7:3)
Q. What happens if God changes an expectancy of being together with him into an expectation of something we have to do? How does it affect our relationship with him?
6. ‘Or,’ noted Mack, ‘the responsibilities of a husband, or a father, or an employee, or whatever. I get the picture. I would much rather live in expectancy. But if you didn’t have expectations and responsibilities, wouldn’t everything just fall apart?’
‘Only if you are of the world, apart from me and under the law. Responsibilities and expectations are the basis of guilt and shame and judgment, and they provide the essential framework that promotes performance as the basis for identity and value. You know well what it is like not to live up to someone’s expectations.’
Q. What does it mean to you to ‘live in expectancy?’
Q. How have you experienced the guilt and shame associated with legalistic religion? What affect did it have on your relationship with God?
Q. How can we be freed from living under the laws, responsibilities, and expectations of other people?
Q. What is the basis for your identity? When someone introduces you to a friend do they refer to your performance (occupation, role in the church, etc.), your relationships (father/mother/sister/brother), or your essence as a person (characteristics of compassion, integrity, etc.)?
7. “(Mack) paused briefly, a new thought flashing through his mind. ‘Are you saying you have no expectations of me?’
‘Papa now spoke up. ‘Honey, I’ve never placed an expectation on you or anyone else. The idea behind expectations requires that someone does not know the future or outcome and is trying to control behavior to get the desired result. Humans try to control behavior largely through expectations. I know you and everything about you. Why would I have an expectation other than what I already know? That would be foolish. And beyond that, because I have no expectations, you never disappoint me.’
‘What? You’ve never been disappointed in me?’ Mack was trying hard to digest this.
‘Never!’ Papa stated emphatically. ‘What I do have is a constant and living expectancy in our relationship, and I give you an ability to respond to any situation and circumstance in which you find yourself. To the degree that you resort to expectations and responsibilities, to that degree you neither know me or trust me.’
‘And,’ interjected Jesus, ‘to that degree you will live in fear.’”
Q. Is it true that God has no expectations of us? If so, what does he provide instead of expectations? (See John 15:4-5)
Q. What about the expectations of people we work for, our families, and our government? Can we disregard them?
Q. What does living in bondage to the expectations of others produce in our lives?
Q. Do you think God is ever surprised or disappointed by our actions or words? (See Romans 3:10-20)
Q. Why does living with expectations and responsibilities make us live in fear? The Apostle John wrote, “As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” (1 John 4:17-18) What is the ‘fear factor’ in your relationship with God?
8. ‘But,’ Mack wasn’t convinced. ‘But don’t you want us to set priorities? You know: God first, then whatever, followed by whatever?’
‘The trouble with living by priorities,’ Sarayu spoke, ‘is that it sees everything as a hierarchy, a pyramid, and you I have already had that discussion. If you put God at the top what does that really mean and how much is enough? How much time do you give me before you can go on about the rest of your day, the part that interests you so much more?’
Papa again interrupted. ‘You see, Mackenzie, I don’t just want a piece of you and a piece of your life. Even if you were able, which you are not, to give me the biggest piece, that is not what I want. I want all of you - all of every part of you and your day.’
Jesus now spoke again. ‘Mack, I don’t want to be first among a list of values; I want to be at the center of everything. When I live in you, then together we can live through everything that happens to you. Rather than a pyramid, I want to be the center of a mobile, where everything in your life – your friends, family, occupation, thoughts, activities – is connected to me but moves with the wind, in and out and back and forth, in an incredible dance of being.’
‘And I,’ concluded Sarayu, ‘I am the wind.’ She smiled hugely and bowed.” (pg. 202-207)
Q. Shouldn’t we have priorities? (See Matthew 6:32-33) What do you think Sarayu is driving at with her statement?
Q. What does it mean to give God all of us – to make him the center – not just give him the ‘biggest piece?’
Q. Is your life arranged more like a pyramid or a mobile? How would it change your life to connect everything with Jesus?
Q. How does Sarayu, as ‘the wind’ effect the movements of the ‘mobile’ of our life? (See Galatians 5:17-23)
1. “’Why do you think we came up with the Ten Commandments?’
‘I suppose, at least I have been taught, that it’s a set of rules that you expected humans to obey in order to life righteously in your good graces.’
‘If that were true, which it is not,’ Sarayu countered, ‘then how many do you think lived righteously enough to enter our good graces?’
‘Not very many, if people are like me,’ Mack observed.
‘Actually, only one succeeded – Jesus. He not only obeyed the letter of the law but fulfilled the spirit of it completely. But understand this, Mackenzie – to do that he had to rest fully and dependently on me.’
Q. How many of the Ten Commandments can you recite from memory? (See Exodus 20: 1-17) How have you done at keeping them?
Q. The Apostle Paul wrote, “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13) How does it make you feel to know that God cancels the record of your failures through the death of Christ?
Q. Is it possible for us to keep God’s commandments if we ‘rest fully and dependently’ on him? (See Romans 8:1-11)
2. ‘They why did you give us those commandments?’ asked Mack.
‘Actually, we wanted you to give up trying to be righteous on your own. It was a mirror to reveal just how filthy your face gets when you live independently.’
‘But as I’m sure you know there are many,’ responded Mack, ‘who think they are made righteous by following the rules.’
‘But can you clean you face with the same mirror that shows you how dirty you are? There is no mercy or grace in rules, not even for one mistake. That’s why Jesus fulfilled all of it for you – so that it no longer has jurisdiction over you. And the Law that once contained impossible demands – Thou Shall Not… - actually becomes a promise we fulfill in you. But keep in mind that if you live your life alone and independently, the promise is empty. Jesus laid the demand of the law to rest; it no longer has any power to accuse or command. Jesus is both the promise and its fulfillment.’
Q. Why do you think God gave us the Ten Commandments? (See Galatians 3:10-23)
Q. If no one but Jesus has successfully obeyed God’s law, does that mean we just throw up our hands and stop trying? (See Romans 3:9-31)
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “The law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17) How would it change your relationship with God if there was no ‘mercy or grace’ – just rules to keep?
3. ‘Are you saying I don’t have to follow the rules?’
‘Yes. In Jesus you are not under any law. All things are lawful.’
‘You can’t be serious! You’re messing with me again,’ moaned Mack.
‘Mackenzie,’ Sarayu continued, ‘those who are afraid of freedom are those who cannot trust us to live in them. Trying to keep the law is actually a declaration of independence, a way of keeping control.’
‘Is that why we like the law so much – to give us some control?’ asked Mack.
‘It is much worse than that,’ resumed Sarayu. ‘It grants you the power to judge others and feel superior to them. You believe you are living to a higher standard than those you judge. Enforcing rules, especially in its more subtle expressions like responsibility and expectation, is a vain attempt to create certainty out of uncertainty. And contrary to what you might think, I have a great fondness for uncertainty. Rules cannot bring freedom; they only have the power to accuse.’
Q. Why aren’t Jesus followers under the law? (See Galatians 5:18)
Q. Why do some of us prefer to be under the law? What does our addiction to rules say about us?
Q. Sarayu says, “Trying to keep the law is actually a declaration of independence, a way of keeping control.” What do you think she meant by this? How do we twist God’s law to accomplish our purposes?
Q. One reason many people are turned off by religion is the tendency of Christians to judge others. Have you ever experience the condemnation of someone who thinks they are better than you? How did it make you feel? What does the Bible say about judging others? (See Matthew 7:1-3, Romans 14, and James 4:11-12)
Q. Paul wrote, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable All things are lawful, but not all things edify.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24) Is God giving us the freedom to decide what is beneficial for us? How are you doing at this?
Q. In his letter to the Galatian (5:13-14) Christians, Paul wrote, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” Instead of the 10 commandments, what is the new guide for our behavior? Give yourself an honest evaluation. How are you doing at loving your neighbor? (See Jesus definition of ‘neighbor’ in Luke 10)
4. ‘Whoa!’ Mack suddenly realized what Sarayu had said. ‘Are you telling me that responsibility and expectation are just another form of rules we are no longer under? Did I hear you right?’
Sarayu…began to speak slowly and deliberately. ‘Mackenzie, I will take a verb over a noun anytime.’
Mack wasn’t at all sure about what he was supposed to understand by her cryptic remark and said the only thing that came to mind. ‘Huh?’
‘I,’ she opened her hands to include Jesus and Papa, ‘I am a verb. I am that I am. I will be who I will be. I am a verb! As my very essence is a verb,’ she continued, ‘I am more attuned to verbs than nouns. Verbs such as confessing, repenting, living, loving, responding, growing, reaping, changing, sowing, running, dancing, singing, and on and on. Humans, on the other hand, have a knack for taking a verb that is alive and full of grace and turning it into some dead noun or principle that reeks of rules: something growing and alive dies. Nouns exist because there is a created universe and physical reality, but if the universe is only a mass of nouns, it is dead. Unless ‘I am,’ there are no verbs, and verbs are what makes the universe alive.’
Q. Why does Sarayu prefer a verb over a noun? What does it mean that ‘God is a verb?’
Q. If the universe were only a ‘mass of nouns’ what would the problem be? How does God, the great ‘I AM,’ make the universe alive?
Q. How do we take God’s verbs and turn them into nouns that ‘reek of rules?’
Q. Does Sarayu mean that we don’t need to concern ourselves with ‘responsibility and expectations’ in our relationships with God and others? What is her point?
5. ‘And,’ Mack was struggling, although a glimmer of light seemed to begin to shine into his mind. ‘And, this means what, exactly?’
‘For something to move from death to life you must introduce something living and moving into the mix. To move from something that is only a noun to something dynamic and unpredictable, to do something living and present tense, is to move from law to grace. May I give you a couple examples?’
‘Please do,’ assented Mack. ‘I’m all ears.’
‘Then let’s use your two words: responsibility and expectation. Before your words became nouns, the were first my words, nouns with movement and experience buried inside of them; the ability to respond and expectancy. My words are alive and dynamic – full of life and possibility; yours are dead, full of law and fear and judgment. That is why you won’t find the word responsibility in the Scriptures.’
‘Oh boy,’ Mack grimaced, beginning to see where this was going. ‘We sure seem to use it a lot.’
‘Religion must use law to empower itself and control the people who they need in order to survive. I give you an ability to respond and your response is to be free to love and serve in every situation, and therefore each moment is different and unique and wonderful. Because I am your ability to respond, I have to be present in you. If I simply gave you a responsibility, I would not have to be with you at all. It would now be a task to perform, an obligation to be met, something to fail. Let’s use the example of friendship and how removing the element of life from a noun can drastically alter a relationship. Mack, if you and I are friends, there is an expectancy that exists within our relationship. When we see each other or are apart, there is an expectancy of being together, of laughing and talking. That expectancy has no concrete definition’ it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else. But what happens if I change that ‘expectancy’ to an ‘expectation’ – spoken or unspoken? Suddenly, law has entered into our relationship. You are now expected to perform in a way that meets my expectations. Our living friendship rapidly deteriorates into a dead thing with rules and requirements. It is no longer about you and me, but about what friends are supposed to do, or the responsibilities of a good friend.’
Q. How are nouns like the law and verbs like grace?
Q. Sarayu says, “Religion must use law to empower itself and control the people who they need in order to survive.” Have you heard of or experienced examples of this in your life? What does want his people to represent?
Q. What if all of the responsibilities and expectations were removed from the church you attend? What would happen to attendance? What about the offerings?
Q. Is there a place for ‘duty’ in our relationship with God and others? If so, what is it? (See Luke 17:10 and 1 Corinthians 7:3)
Q. What happens if God changes an expectancy of being together with him into an expectation of something we have to do? How does it affect our relationship with him?
6. ‘Or,’ noted Mack, ‘the responsibilities of a husband, or a father, or an employee, or whatever. I get the picture. I would much rather live in expectancy. But if you didn’t have expectations and responsibilities, wouldn’t everything just fall apart?’
‘Only if you are of the world, apart from me and under the law. Responsibilities and expectations are the basis of guilt and shame and judgment, and they provide the essential framework that promotes performance as the basis for identity and value. You know well what it is like not to live up to someone’s expectations.’
Q. What does it mean to you to ‘live in expectancy?’
Q. How have you experienced the guilt and shame associated with legalistic religion? What affect did it have on your relationship with God?
Q. How can we be freed from living under the laws, responsibilities, and expectations of other people?
Q. What is the basis for your identity? When someone introduces you to a friend do they refer to your performance (occupation, role in the church, etc.), your relationships (father/mother/sister/brother), or your essence as a person (characteristics of compassion, integrity, etc.)?
7. “(Mack) paused briefly, a new thought flashing through his mind. ‘Are you saying you have no expectations of me?’
‘Papa now spoke up. ‘Honey, I’ve never placed an expectation on you or anyone else. The idea behind expectations requires that someone does not know the future or outcome and is trying to control behavior to get the desired result. Humans try to control behavior largely through expectations. I know you and everything about you. Why would I have an expectation other than what I already know? That would be foolish. And beyond that, because I have no expectations, you never disappoint me.’
‘What? You’ve never been disappointed in me?’ Mack was trying hard to digest this.
‘Never!’ Papa stated emphatically. ‘What I do have is a constant and living expectancy in our relationship, and I give you an ability to respond to any situation and circumstance in which you find yourself. To the degree that you resort to expectations and responsibilities, to that degree you neither know me or trust me.’
‘And,’ interjected Jesus, ‘to that degree you will live in fear.’”
Q. Is it true that God has no expectations of us? If so, what does he provide instead of expectations? (See John 15:4-5)
Q. What about the expectations of people we work for, our families, and our government? Can we disregard them?
Q. What does living in bondage to the expectations of others produce in our lives?
Q. Do you think God is ever surprised or disappointed by our actions or words? (See Romans 3:10-20)
Q. Why does living with expectations and responsibilities make us live in fear? The Apostle John wrote, “As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” (1 John 4:17-18) What is the ‘fear factor’ in your relationship with God?
8. ‘But,’ Mack wasn’t convinced. ‘But don’t you want us to set priorities? You know: God first, then whatever, followed by whatever?’
‘The trouble with living by priorities,’ Sarayu spoke, ‘is that it sees everything as a hierarchy, a pyramid, and you I have already had that discussion. If you put God at the top what does that really mean and how much is enough? How much time do you give me before you can go on about the rest of your day, the part that interests you so much more?’
Papa again interrupted. ‘You see, Mackenzie, I don’t just want a piece of you and a piece of your life. Even if you were able, which you are not, to give me the biggest piece, that is not what I want. I want all of you - all of every part of you and your day.’
Jesus now spoke again. ‘Mack, I don’t want to be first among a list of values; I want to be at the center of everything. When I live in you, then together we can live through everything that happens to you. Rather than a pyramid, I want to be the center of a mobile, where everything in your life – your friends, family, occupation, thoughts, activities – is connected to me but moves with the wind, in and out and back and forth, in an incredible dance of being.’
‘And I,’ concluded Sarayu, ‘I am the wind.’ She smiled hugely and bowed.” (pg. 202-207)
Q. Shouldn’t we have priorities? (See Matthew 6:32-33) What do you think Sarayu is driving at with her statement?
Q. What does it mean to give God all of us – to make him the center – not just give him the ‘biggest piece?’
Q. Is your life arranged more like a pyramid or a mobile? How would it change your life to connect everything with Jesus?
Q. How does Sarayu, as ‘the wind’ effect the movements of the ‘mobile’ of our life? (See Galatians 5:17-23)
The mystery of human freedom
1. “’Does freedom mean that you are allowed to do whatever you want to do? Or we could talk about the limiting influences in your life that actively work against your freedom. Your family genetic heritage, your specific DNA, your metabolic uniqueness, the quantum stuff that is going on at a subatomic level where only I am the always present observer. Or the intrusion of your soul’s sickness that inhibits and binds you, or the social influences around you, or the habits that have created synaptic bonds and pathways in your brain. And then there’s advertising, propaganda, and paradigms. Inside that confluence of multifaceted inhibitors,’ she sighed, ‘what is freedom really?’”
“’…Freedom is an incremental process. …the Truth shall set you free and the Truth has a name; he’s (Jesus) over in the woodshop right now covered in sawdust. Everything is about him. And freedom is a process that happens inside a relationship with him. Then all that stuff you feel churnin’ around inside will start to work its way out.” (pg. 95)
Q. The concept of human freedom is extremely important to us. But, when you consider all of the ‘confluence of multifaceted inhibitors’ that influence are choices, in your opinion are we really free? (See 2 Peter 2:18-20)
Q. In John 8:32 Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” How does the truth of Jesus’ words deliver us from the deceptions in our own souls and the ones being fed to us by the world around us?
Q. Have you experienced this process of truth ‘churnin around inside’ until the deception works its way out of your life? If so, are you willing to share your story with others in the group?
2. “’We carefully respect your choices, so we work within you systems even while we seek to free you from them,’ Papa continued. “Creation has been taken down a very different path than we desired. In your world the value of the individual is constantly weighed against the survival of the system, whether political, economic, social, or religious – any system actually. First one person, and then a few, and finally even many are sacrificed for the good and ongoing existence of that system. In one form or another this lies behind every struggle for power, every prejudice, every war, and every abuse of relationship. The ‘will to power and independence’ has become so ubiquitous that it is now considered normal.’
‘It’s not?’
‘It is the human paradigm,’ added Papa. ‘…It is like water to fish, so prevalent that it goes unseen and unquestioned. It is the matrix; a diabolical scheme in which you are hopelessly trapped even while completely unaware of its existence.’
Jesus picked up the conversation. ‘As the crowning glory of Creation, you were made in our image, unencumbered by structure and free to simply ‘be’ in relationship with me and one another. If you had truly learned to regard each other’s concerns as significant as your own, there would be no need for hierarchy.’ (pg. 123-124)
Q. Can you think of examples of the value of the individual being sacrificed for the good (or survival) of a larger system?
Q. Can this happen even in religious systems – like churches? If so, how?
Q. In Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul tells us to imitate the attitude of Jesus. How would it change our relationships if everyone actually did this?
3. “’I can see now,’ confessed Mack, ‘that I spend most of my time and energy trying to acquire what I have determined to be good, whether it’s financial security or health or retirement or whatever. And I spend a huge amount of energy and worry fearing what I’ve determined to be evil,’ Mack sighed deeply.’
‘Such truth in that,’ said Sarayu gently. ‘Remember this. It allows you to play God in your independence. That’s why a part of you prefers to not see me. And you don’t need me at all to create your list of good and evil. But you do need me if you have any desire to stop such an insane lust for independence.’
‘So there is a way to fix it?’ asked Mack.
‘You must give up your right to decide what is good and evil on your own terms. That is a hard pill to swallow; choosing to only live in me. To do that you must know me enough to trust me and learn to rest in my inherent goodness.’
‘Mackenzie, evil is a word we use to describe the absence of Good, just as we use the word darkness to describe the absence of Light or death to describe the absence of Life. Both evil and darkness can only be understood in relations to Light and Good; they do not have an actual existence. I am Light and I am Good. I am Love and there is no darkness in me. Light and Good actually exist. So, removing yourself from me will plunge you into darkness. Declaring your independence will result in evil because apart from me, you can only draw upon yourself. That is death because you have separated yourself from me: Life.’
‘Wow,’ Mack exclaimed, …’That really helps. But, I can also see that giving up my independent right is not going to be an easy process. It could mean that…’
Sarayu interrupted, “…that in one instance, the good may be the presence of cancer or the loss of income – or even life.’ (pg.135-136)
Q. How has an ‘insane lust for independence’ ever gotten you in trouble, or caused you to lose a valuable relationship? If so, explain.
Q. Why is it hard – almost impossible – for us to ‘give up our right to decide what is good and evil on our own terms?’ How can we do it? (See Romans 8:5-11)
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7) How have you experienced the difference between this light and darkness?
4. “’Have you ever noticed that even though you call me Lord and King, I have never really acted in that capacity with you? I’ve never taken control of your choices or forced you to do anything, even when what you were about to do was destructive or hurtful to yourself and others’
‘Mack looked back at the lake before responding. ‘I would have preferred that you did take control at times. It would have saved me and the people I care about a lot of pain.’
‘To force my will on you,’ Jesus replied, ‘is exactly what love does not do. Genuine relationships are marked by submission even when your choices are not helpful or healthy. That’s the beauty you see in my relationship with Abba and Sarayu. We are indeed submitted to one another and have always been so and always will be. Papa is as much submitted to me as I to him, or Sarayu to me, or Papa to her. Submission is not about authority and it is not obedience; it is all about relationships of love and respect. In fact, we are submitted to you in the same way.’
Mack was surprised. ‘How can that be? Why would the God of the universe want to be submitted to me?’
‘Because we want you to join us in our circle of relationship. I don’t want slaves to my will; I want brothers and sisters who will share life with me.’
‘And that’s how you want us to love each other, I suppose? I mean between husbands and wives, parents and children, I guess any relationship?’
‘Exactly! When I am your life, submission is the most natural expression of my character and nature, and it will be the most natural expression of your new nature within relationships.’
Q. What does the statement, ‘Love does not force its will on others’ mean to you? Don’t we sometimes force our will on our children, removing them from playing in the road, for example, out of love?
Q. In your opinion, would it be more loving if God forcefully kept people from going to hell or let them have the freedom of choice knowing it could lead to their eternal destruction?
Q. In what way is God ‘submitted to me?’ (See Philippians 2:7, Matthew 20:28)
Q. Can you envision submitting yourself completely to God so that you can enter a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with him? Why or why not?
5. “’All evil flows from independence, and independence is your choice. If I were to simply revoke all the choices of independence, the world as you know it would cease to exist and love would have no meaning. This world is not a playground where I keep all of my children free from evil. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.’
Mack rubbed his hands through his hair and sighed. ‘It’s just so hard to understand.’
‘Honey, let me tell you one of the reasons that it makes no sense to you. It’s because you have such a small view of what it means to be human. You and this Creation are incredible, whether you understand that or not. You are wonderful beyond imagination. Just because you make horrendous and destructive choices does not mean you deserve less respect for what you inherently are – the pinnacle of my Creation and the center of my affection.’ (pg. 190)
Q. Papa says, ‘If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love.’ Do you agree that this is true? Why or why not?
Q. Think back over your life. Have their been times when you ‘reaped the consequences’ of bad choices? What affect did it have on your relationship with God?
Q. When you think of yourself as the pinnacle of God’s creation and the center of his affection, what difference does that make in how you view your life? (See Luke 12:7))
6. “’There is no way to create freedom without a cost, as you know.’ Papa looked down, scars visible and indelibly written into his wrists. ‘I knew that my Creation would rebel, would choose independence and death, and I knew what it would cost me to open a path of reconciliation. Your independence has unleashed, what seems to you, a world of chaos; random and frightening. Could I have prevented what happened to Missy? The answer is yes.’
Mack looked at Papa, his eyes asking the question that didn’t need voicing.
Papa continued, ‘First by not creating at all, these questions would be moot. Or secondly, I could have chosen to actively interfere in her circumstance. The first was never a consideration and the latter was not an option for purposes that you cannot possibly understand now. At this point all I have to offer you as an answer is my love and goodness, and my relationship with you. I did not purpose Missy’s death, but that doesn’t mean I can’t use it for good.’
Mack shook his head sadly. ‘You’re right. I don’t grasp it very well. I think I see a glimpse for a second and then all the longing and loss that I feel seems to rise up and tell me that what I thought I saw just couldn’t be true. But I do trust you…’ And suddenly, it was like a new thought, surprising and wonderful. ‘Papa, I do trust you.’
Papa beamed back at him. ‘I know, son. I know.’” (pg. 222)
Q. Papa says, ‘There is no way to create freedom without a cost.’ As you think about the freedoms you enjoy as a citizen of a free country and as a child of God, who paid the cost for your freedoms? Why did they do it?
Q. Could God have prevented the painful circumstances in your life? If so, based on this section of The Shack, why do you think he didn’t?
Q. Are you able to still love and trust in God despite the painful loss you have endured? Why or why not? (Consider the Biblical of Job)
Q. The Apostle Paul wrote, “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28) Can you see any good that has resulted from the tragic events of your life?
“’…Freedom is an incremental process. …the Truth shall set you free and the Truth has a name; he’s (Jesus) over in the woodshop right now covered in sawdust. Everything is about him. And freedom is a process that happens inside a relationship with him. Then all that stuff you feel churnin’ around inside will start to work its way out.” (pg. 95)
Q. The concept of human freedom is extremely important to us. But, when you consider all of the ‘confluence of multifaceted inhibitors’ that influence are choices, in your opinion are we really free? (See 2 Peter 2:18-20)
Q. In John 8:32 Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” How does the truth of Jesus’ words deliver us from the deceptions in our own souls and the ones being fed to us by the world around us?
Q. Have you experienced this process of truth ‘churnin around inside’ until the deception works its way out of your life? If so, are you willing to share your story with others in the group?
2. “’We carefully respect your choices, so we work within you systems even while we seek to free you from them,’ Papa continued. “Creation has been taken down a very different path than we desired. In your world the value of the individual is constantly weighed against the survival of the system, whether political, economic, social, or religious – any system actually. First one person, and then a few, and finally even many are sacrificed for the good and ongoing existence of that system. In one form or another this lies behind every struggle for power, every prejudice, every war, and every abuse of relationship. The ‘will to power and independence’ has become so ubiquitous that it is now considered normal.’
‘It’s not?’
‘It is the human paradigm,’ added Papa. ‘…It is like water to fish, so prevalent that it goes unseen and unquestioned. It is the matrix; a diabolical scheme in which you are hopelessly trapped even while completely unaware of its existence.’
Jesus picked up the conversation. ‘As the crowning glory of Creation, you were made in our image, unencumbered by structure and free to simply ‘be’ in relationship with me and one another. If you had truly learned to regard each other’s concerns as significant as your own, there would be no need for hierarchy.’ (pg. 123-124)
Q. Can you think of examples of the value of the individual being sacrificed for the good (or survival) of a larger system?
Q. Can this happen even in religious systems – like churches? If so, how?
Q. In Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul tells us to imitate the attitude of Jesus. How would it change our relationships if everyone actually did this?
3. “’I can see now,’ confessed Mack, ‘that I spend most of my time and energy trying to acquire what I have determined to be good, whether it’s financial security or health or retirement or whatever. And I spend a huge amount of energy and worry fearing what I’ve determined to be evil,’ Mack sighed deeply.’
‘Such truth in that,’ said Sarayu gently. ‘Remember this. It allows you to play God in your independence. That’s why a part of you prefers to not see me. And you don’t need me at all to create your list of good and evil. But you do need me if you have any desire to stop such an insane lust for independence.’
‘So there is a way to fix it?’ asked Mack.
‘You must give up your right to decide what is good and evil on your own terms. That is a hard pill to swallow; choosing to only live in me. To do that you must know me enough to trust me and learn to rest in my inherent goodness.’
‘Mackenzie, evil is a word we use to describe the absence of Good, just as we use the word darkness to describe the absence of Light or death to describe the absence of Life. Both evil and darkness can only be understood in relations to Light and Good; they do not have an actual existence. I am Light and I am Good. I am Love and there is no darkness in me. Light and Good actually exist. So, removing yourself from me will plunge you into darkness. Declaring your independence will result in evil because apart from me, you can only draw upon yourself. That is death because you have separated yourself from me: Life.’
‘Wow,’ Mack exclaimed, …’That really helps. But, I can also see that giving up my independent right is not going to be an easy process. It could mean that…’
Sarayu interrupted, “…that in one instance, the good may be the presence of cancer or the loss of income – or even life.’ (pg.135-136)
Q. How has an ‘insane lust for independence’ ever gotten you in trouble, or caused you to lose a valuable relationship? If so, explain.
Q. Why is it hard – almost impossible – for us to ‘give up our right to decide what is good and evil on our own terms?’ How can we do it? (See Romans 8:5-11)
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7) How have you experienced the difference between this light and darkness?
4. “’Have you ever noticed that even though you call me Lord and King, I have never really acted in that capacity with you? I’ve never taken control of your choices or forced you to do anything, even when what you were about to do was destructive or hurtful to yourself and others’
‘Mack looked back at the lake before responding. ‘I would have preferred that you did take control at times. It would have saved me and the people I care about a lot of pain.’
‘To force my will on you,’ Jesus replied, ‘is exactly what love does not do. Genuine relationships are marked by submission even when your choices are not helpful or healthy. That’s the beauty you see in my relationship with Abba and Sarayu. We are indeed submitted to one another and have always been so and always will be. Papa is as much submitted to me as I to him, or Sarayu to me, or Papa to her. Submission is not about authority and it is not obedience; it is all about relationships of love and respect. In fact, we are submitted to you in the same way.’
Mack was surprised. ‘How can that be? Why would the God of the universe want to be submitted to me?’
‘Because we want you to join us in our circle of relationship. I don’t want slaves to my will; I want brothers and sisters who will share life with me.’
‘And that’s how you want us to love each other, I suppose? I mean between husbands and wives, parents and children, I guess any relationship?’
‘Exactly! When I am your life, submission is the most natural expression of my character and nature, and it will be the most natural expression of your new nature within relationships.’
Q. What does the statement, ‘Love does not force its will on others’ mean to you? Don’t we sometimes force our will on our children, removing them from playing in the road, for example, out of love?
Q. In your opinion, would it be more loving if God forcefully kept people from going to hell or let them have the freedom of choice knowing it could lead to their eternal destruction?
Q. In what way is God ‘submitted to me?’ (See Philippians 2:7, Matthew 20:28)
Q. Can you envision submitting yourself completely to God so that you can enter a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with him? Why or why not?
5. “’All evil flows from independence, and independence is your choice. If I were to simply revoke all the choices of independence, the world as you know it would cease to exist and love would have no meaning. This world is not a playground where I keep all of my children free from evil. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.’
Mack rubbed his hands through his hair and sighed. ‘It’s just so hard to understand.’
‘Honey, let me tell you one of the reasons that it makes no sense to you. It’s because you have such a small view of what it means to be human. You and this Creation are incredible, whether you understand that or not. You are wonderful beyond imagination. Just because you make horrendous and destructive choices does not mean you deserve less respect for what you inherently are – the pinnacle of my Creation and the center of my affection.’ (pg. 190)
Q. Papa says, ‘If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love.’ Do you agree that this is true? Why or why not?
Q. Think back over your life. Have their been times when you ‘reaped the consequences’ of bad choices? What affect did it have on your relationship with God?
Q. When you think of yourself as the pinnacle of God’s creation and the center of his affection, what difference does that make in how you view your life? (See Luke 12:7))
6. “’There is no way to create freedom without a cost, as you know.’ Papa looked down, scars visible and indelibly written into his wrists. ‘I knew that my Creation would rebel, would choose independence and death, and I knew what it would cost me to open a path of reconciliation. Your independence has unleashed, what seems to you, a world of chaos; random and frightening. Could I have prevented what happened to Missy? The answer is yes.’
Mack looked at Papa, his eyes asking the question that didn’t need voicing.
Papa continued, ‘First by not creating at all, these questions would be moot. Or secondly, I could have chosen to actively interfere in her circumstance. The first was never a consideration and the latter was not an option for purposes that you cannot possibly understand now. At this point all I have to offer you as an answer is my love and goodness, and my relationship with you. I did not purpose Missy’s death, but that doesn’t mean I can’t use it for good.’
Mack shook his head sadly. ‘You’re right. I don’t grasp it very well. I think I see a glimpse for a second and then all the longing and loss that I feel seems to rise up and tell me that what I thought I saw just couldn’t be true. But I do trust you…’ And suddenly, it was like a new thought, surprising and wonderful. ‘Papa, I do trust you.’
Papa beamed back at him. ‘I know, son. I know.’” (pg. 222)
Q. Papa says, ‘There is no way to create freedom without a cost.’ As you think about the freedoms you enjoy as a citizen of a free country and as a child of God, who paid the cost for your freedoms? Why did they do it?
Q. Could God have prevented the painful circumstances in your life? If so, based on this section of The Shack, why do you think he didn’t?
Q. Are you able to still love and trust in God despite the painful loss you have endured? Why or why not? (Consider the Biblical of Job)
Q. The Apostle Paul wrote, “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28) Can you see any good that has resulted from the tragic events of your life?
The mystery of God’s purpose
1. “’We created you to share in that (fullness – a state of perpetual satisfaction). But then Adam chose to go it on his own, as we knew he would, and everything got messed up. But instead of scrapping the whole Creation we rolled up our sleeves and entered into the middle of the mess – that’s what we have done in Jesus.’” (pg. 99)
Q. Jesus said, “I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s (Satan’s) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:9-10) Is your life ‘rich and satisfying?’ If not, have you entered the ‘gate’ of salvation? (To find out how, go to http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=276)
2. “’A bird’s not defined by being grounded but by his ability to fly. Remember this, humans are not defined by their limitations, but by the intentions that I have for them; not by what they seem to be, but by everything it means to be created in my image.’” (pg. 100)
Q. God says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) God doesn’t want you dragging around on the ground feeling hopeless and defeated. He wants you to ‘fly’ in faith and confidence. Is your life ‘defined by your limitations’ or by being ‘created in God’s image?
Q. When you think about being created in God’s image, what aspect of God’s nature are you uniquely suited to display? (See 1 Corinthians 12)
3. “’We want male and female to be counterparts, face-to-face equals, each unique and different, distinctive in gender but complementary, and each empowered uniquely by Sarayu from whom all true power and authority originates. Remember, I am not about performance and fitting into man-made structures; I am about being. As you grow in relationship with me, what you do will simply reflect who you really are.’
“But you (Jesus) came in the form of a man. Doesn’t that say something?’
‘Yes, but not what many have assumed. I came as a man to complete a wonderful picture in how we made you. From the first day we hid the woman within the man, so that at the right time we could remove her from within him. We didn’t create man to live alone; she was purposed from the beginning. By taking her out of him, he birthed her in a sense. We created a circle of relationship, like our own, but for humans. She, out of him, and now all the males, including me, birthed through her, and all originating, or birthed, from God.’
‘Oh, I get it,’ Mack interjected… “If the female had been created first, there would have been no circle of relationship, and thus no possibility of a fully equal face-to-face relationship between the male and female. Right?’
‘Exactly right, Mack.’ Jesus looked at him and grinned. ‘Our desire was to create a being that had a fully equal and powerful counterpart, the male and the female. But your independence with its quest for power and fulfillment actually destroys the relationship your heart longs for.’
Q. The Bible begins with “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) Since both genders are created in God’s image, why has there been such a struggle in human history over the concept of equality? (See Genesis 3:16)
Q. How would you define a healthy, biblical view of the opposite sex?
Q. How has the human ‘quest for independence, power, and fulfillment’ affected your relationships?
4. “’All I (Jesus) want from you is to trust me with what little you can, and grow in loving people around you with the same love I share with you. It’s not your job to change them, or to convince them. You are free to love without an agenda.’ (pg. 181)
Q. Not long before he left this earth, Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35) How do you interpret this ‘new command?’ How are you doing at doing it?
Q. What does it mean to ‘love without an agenda?’ (See Luke 15:11-31)
5. “’Mackenzie, my (Papa) purposes are not for my comfort or yours. My purposes are always and only an expression of love. I purpose to work life out of death, to bring freedom out of brokenness and turn darkness into light. What you see as chaos, I see as a fractal. All things must unfold, even though it puts all those I love in the midst of a world of horrible tragedies – even the one closest to me.’
‘You’re talking about Jesus, aren’t you’ Mack asked softly.
‘Yup, I love that boy. … Everything’s about him, you know. One day you folk will understand what he gave up. There are just no words.’” (pg. 191)
Q. God’s purposes are ‘not for our comfort.’ He invites us to be part of his loving redemption of all things. This requires us to change, to release our natural selfishness and join him in expressing love. Think back over the events of your life. Can you see God’s hand shaping you through your circumstances to become more compassionate?
Q. God has ‘put those he loves in the midst of a world of horrible tragedies.’ How should we view the tragic events going on around us?
Q. The Apostle Paul wrote, “We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.” (2 Cor. 1:8-9) How has God ‘redeemed’ the struggles in your life?
6. “’Papa, can you help me understand something? What exactly did Jesus accomplish by dying?’
‘Oh,’ she waved her hand. ‘…Just the substance of everything that love purposed from before the foundations of Creation.’
‘Wow, that’s a pretty broad brush. Could you bring it down a few notches?’ asked Mack rather boldly.
‘Like I said, everything is about him. Creation and history are all about Jesus. He is the very center of our purpose and in him we are now fully human, so our purpose and your destiny are forever linked. You might say that we have put all our eggs in the one human basket. There is no plan B.’
‘Seems pretty risky,’ Mack surmised.
‘Maybe for you, but not for me. There has never been a question that what I wanted from the beginning, I will get.’
‘Honey you asked me what Jesus accomplished on the cross; so now listen to me carefully: through his death and resurrection, I am now fully reconciled to the world.’
‘The whole world? You mean those who believe in you, right?’
‘The whole world, Mack. All I am telling you is that reconciliation is a two-way street, and I have done my part, totally, completely, finally. It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way.’” (pg. 191-192)
Q. Some believe that everything is the result of random events – there is no underlying cause or purpose. Others believe that everything has a reason – that God is behind the scenes orchestrating events according to his plan. Which position do you hold and why?
Q. Is it really true that ‘everything is about him’ (Jesus) as this book claims? If so, why do you believe this? (See Colossians 1:15-20) If not, what do you believe about his role in history?
Q. What do you think Jesus accomplished by dying? (See John 3:16 and Ephesians 1:9-14)
Q. Is it true that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world? If so, doesn’t that mean that everyone will someday end up with God in heaven? Why or why not? (See 2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
7. “’Let me ask you something. Is what I do back home important? Does it matter? I really don’t do much other than working and caring for my family and friends…’
‘Sarayu interrupted him. ‘Mack, if anything matters then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again.’” (pg. 235)
Q. We all want to know that our life matters – that we have a purpose for existing on this planet. Sarayu says, “Everything matters.” What does that mean to you?
Q. The Bible says, “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-26) Since your every action and word matters, and you’re not just ‘shadowboxing,’ how can you make sure to maximize your opportunities?
Q. In Colossians 3:11, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.” How does Christ’s presence in us elevate our actions and words in this life?
Q. Jesus said, “I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s (Satan’s) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:9-10) Is your life ‘rich and satisfying?’ If not, have you entered the ‘gate’ of salvation? (To find out how, go to http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=276)
2. “’A bird’s not defined by being grounded but by his ability to fly. Remember this, humans are not defined by their limitations, but by the intentions that I have for them; not by what they seem to be, but by everything it means to be created in my image.’” (pg. 100)
Q. God says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) God doesn’t want you dragging around on the ground feeling hopeless and defeated. He wants you to ‘fly’ in faith and confidence. Is your life ‘defined by your limitations’ or by being ‘created in God’s image?
Q. When you think about being created in God’s image, what aspect of God’s nature are you uniquely suited to display? (See 1 Corinthians 12)
3. “’We want male and female to be counterparts, face-to-face equals, each unique and different, distinctive in gender but complementary, and each empowered uniquely by Sarayu from whom all true power and authority originates. Remember, I am not about performance and fitting into man-made structures; I am about being. As you grow in relationship with me, what you do will simply reflect who you really are.’
“But you (Jesus) came in the form of a man. Doesn’t that say something?’
‘Yes, but not what many have assumed. I came as a man to complete a wonderful picture in how we made you. From the first day we hid the woman within the man, so that at the right time we could remove her from within him. We didn’t create man to live alone; she was purposed from the beginning. By taking her out of him, he birthed her in a sense. We created a circle of relationship, like our own, but for humans. She, out of him, and now all the males, including me, birthed through her, and all originating, or birthed, from God.’
‘Oh, I get it,’ Mack interjected… “If the female had been created first, there would have been no circle of relationship, and thus no possibility of a fully equal face-to-face relationship between the male and female. Right?’
‘Exactly right, Mack.’ Jesus looked at him and grinned. ‘Our desire was to create a being that had a fully equal and powerful counterpart, the male and the female. But your independence with its quest for power and fulfillment actually destroys the relationship your heart longs for.’
Q. The Bible begins with “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) Since both genders are created in God’s image, why has there been such a struggle in human history over the concept of equality? (See Genesis 3:16)
Q. How would you define a healthy, biblical view of the opposite sex?
Q. How has the human ‘quest for independence, power, and fulfillment’ affected your relationships?
4. “’All I (Jesus) want from you is to trust me with what little you can, and grow in loving people around you with the same love I share with you. It’s not your job to change them, or to convince them. You are free to love without an agenda.’ (pg. 181)
Q. Not long before he left this earth, Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35) How do you interpret this ‘new command?’ How are you doing at doing it?
Q. What does it mean to ‘love without an agenda?’ (See Luke 15:11-31)
5. “’Mackenzie, my (Papa) purposes are not for my comfort or yours. My purposes are always and only an expression of love. I purpose to work life out of death, to bring freedom out of brokenness and turn darkness into light. What you see as chaos, I see as a fractal. All things must unfold, even though it puts all those I love in the midst of a world of horrible tragedies – even the one closest to me.’
‘You’re talking about Jesus, aren’t you’ Mack asked softly.
‘Yup, I love that boy. … Everything’s about him, you know. One day you folk will understand what he gave up. There are just no words.’” (pg. 191)
Q. God’s purposes are ‘not for our comfort.’ He invites us to be part of his loving redemption of all things. This requires us to change, to release our natural selfishness and join him in expressing love. Think back over the events of your life. Can you see God’s hand shaping you through your circumstances to become more compassionate?
Q. God has ‘put those he loves in the midst of a world of horrible tragedies.’ How should we view the tragic events going on around us?
Q. The Apostle Paul wrote, “We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.” (2 Cor. 1:8-9) How has God ‘redeemed’ the struggles in your life?
6. “’Papa, can you help me understand something? What exactly did Jesus accomplish by dying?’
‘Oh,’ she waved her hand. ‘…Just the substance of everything that love purposed from before the foundations of Creation.’
‘Wow, that’s a pretty broad brush. Could you bring it down a few notches?’ asked Mack rather boldly.
‘Like I said, everything is about him. Creation and history are all about Jesus. He is the very center of our purpose and in him we are now fully human, so our purpose and your destiny are forever linked. You might say that we have put all our eggs in the one human basket. There is no plan B.’
‘Seems pretty risky,’ Mack surmised.
‘Maybe for you, but not for me. There has never been a question that what I wanted from the beginning, I will get.’
‘Honey you asked me what Jesus accomplished on the cross; so now listen to me carefully: through his death and resurrection, I am now fully reconciled to the world.’
‘The whole world? You mean those who believe in you, right?’
‘The whole world, Mack. All I am telling you is that reconciliation is a two-way street, and I have done my part, totally, completely, finally. It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way.’” (pg. 191-192)
Q. Some believe that everything is the result of random events – there is no underlying cause or purpose. Others believe that everything has a reason – that God is behind the scenes orchestrating events according to his plan. Which position do you hold and why?
Q. Is it really true that ‘everything is about him’ (Jesus) as this book claims? If so, why do you believe this? (See Colossians 1:15-20) If not, what do you believe about his role in history?
Q. What do you think Jesus accomplished by dying? (See John 3:16 and Ephesians 1:9-14)
Q. Is it true that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world? If so, doesn’t that mean that everyone will someday end up with God in heaven? Why or why not? (See 2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
7. “’Let me ask you something. Is what I do back home important? Does it matter? I really don’t do much other than working and caring for my family and friends…’
‘Sarayu interrupted him. ‘Mack, if anything matters then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again.’” (pg. 235)
Q. We all want to know that our life matters – that we have a purpose for existing on this planet. Sarayu says, “Everything matters.” What does that mean to you?
Q. The Bible says, “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-26) Since your every action and word matters, and you’re not just ‘shadowboxing,’ how can you make sure to maximize your opportunities?
Q. In Colossians 3:11, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.” How does Christ’s presence in us elevate our actions and words in this life?
The mystery of Christ in us
1. “’But what about all the miracles? The healings? Raising people from the dead? Doesn’t that prove that Jesus was God – you know, more than human?’
‘No, it proves that Jesus is truly human.’
‘What?
‘Mackenzie, I can fly, but humans can’t. Jesus is fully human. Although he is also fully God, he has never drawn upon his nature as God to do anything. He has only lived out of his relationship with me, living in the very same manner that I desire to be in relationship with every human being. He is just the first to do it to the uttermost – the first to absolutely trust my life within him, the first to believe in my love and my goodness without regard for appearance or consequence.’
‘So, when he healed the blind?’
‘He did so as a dependent, limited human being, trusting in my life and power to be at work within him and through him. Jesus, as a human being, had no power within himself to heal anyone.’
That came as a shock to Mack’s religious system.
‘Only as he rested in his relationship with me, and in our communion – our co-union – could he express my heart and will into any given circumstance. So, when you look at Jesus and it appears that he’s flying, he really is…flying. But what you are actually seeing is me; my life in him. That’s how he lives and acts as a true human, how every human is designed to live – out of my life.’” (pg. 100)
Q. This is one of the boldest claims of this book. Is it biblical? Do you think it is possible for any Christian to perform miraculous signs and wonders like Jesus?
This claim is based on passages like John 14: 10-13. Jesus said, “The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Q. If it is possible for believers today to ‘do what Jesus did,’ why don’t we see more authentic miracles?
Q. The author writes, “Jesus, as a human being, had no power within himself to heal anyone.” (See John 5:30 where Jesus said, “I can do nothing on my own.”) If the same power Jesus had is available, what is required of us to receive it? (See John 14:23, John 15:5, Hebrews 5:7-9, Ephesians 3:14-21, Galatians 3:5, and Galatians 4:19)
Q. Think of the most Christ-like person you know. Now imagine if that person was also doing miraculous signs and wonders like Jesus did. What would be the impact if this type of ‘Jesus life’ was normal for Christians today?
Q. What keeps you from experiencing this?
2. “’Admittedly, Mack, this is special. You were really stuck and we wanted to help you crawl out of your pain. But don’t think that just because I’m not visible, our relationship has to be less real. It will be different, but perhaps even more real.’
‘How is that?’
‘My purpose from the beginning was to live in you and you in me.’
Wait, wait. Wait a minute. How can that happen? If you’re still fully human how can you be inside me?’
‘Astounding, isn’t it? It’s Papa’s miracle. It is the power of Sarayu, my Spirit, the Spirit of God who restores the union that was lost so long ago. Me? I choose to live moment by moment fully human. I am fully God, but I am human to the core. Like I said, it’s Papa’s miracle.’” (pg. 112)
Q. In the first few chapters of the book of Acts we read about the Holy Spirit coming upon the new believers. The result was bold witness, miraculous signs, and the ability to live a loving, holy life. Do you believe the Spirit of God could do something similar today in our lives? Why or why not?
Q. What is our relationship with the Holy Spirit supposed to be? (See John 14:15-21, 25-26, Galatians 5:16-17)
Q. Do you ever wish you could sit down and talk with a physical Jesus like Mack did? How can we experience a ‘real relationship’ with him without being able to see or touch him?
3. “’ Aren’t you talking about a real indwelling, not just some positional, theological thing?’
‘Of course,’ answered Jesus, his voice strong and sure. ‘It’s what everything is all about. The human, formed out of the physical material Creation, can once more be fully indwelt by spiritual life, my life. It requires that a very real dynamic and active union exists.’ (pg. 113)
Q. Many people interpret the many verses about Jesus’ indwelling presence in a ‘positional’ or ‘theological’ way. They don’t expect it Christ living in and through them to be a practical reality. Why do you think we find this idea so hard to accept?
Q. Can you be ‘fully indwelt by spiritual life?’ (See Ephesians 3:14-21, Colossians 2:9-10, and John 17:20-26)
4. “’Mack, just like love, submission is not something that you can do, especially not on your own. Apart from my life inside of you, you can’t submit to Nan, or your children, or anyone else in your life, including Papa.’
‘You mean,’ Mack interjected a little sarcastically, ‘that I can’t just ask, ‘What would Jesus Do?’
Jesus chuckled. ‘Good intentions, bad idea. Let me know how that works for you, if that’s the way you choose to go.’ He paused and grew sober. ‘Seriously, my life was not meant to be an example to copy. Being my follower is not trying to ‘be like Jesus,’ it means for your independence to be killed. I came to give you life, real life, my life. We will come and live our life inside of you, so that you begin to see with our eyes, and hear with our ears, and touch with our hands, and think like we do. But we will never force that union on you. If you want to do your thing, have at it. Time is on our side.’
‘This must be the dying daily that Sarayu was talking about,’ said Mack and nodded.” (pg. 149)
Q. Most of us believe that if we made up our mind, we could change. We could be better Christians, better husbands/wives, and better parents. Paul wrote, “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:18-19) Why is it so hard to admit that we aren’t able to submit to God’s will? Why is it a relief when we finally do?
Q. Do you ever feel like you’re not cut out to live the Christian life? Maybe you have a quick temper, or your sexual desires are too strong, or you can’t stop smoking. Paul wrote, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4) How does a person ‘follow the Spirit’ and live by God’s power?
Q. “Dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.” (Romans 8:12-13) “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.” (Colossians 3:5) What do you think it mean to die to our sinful, earthly nature? How do we accomplish it? (See Galatians 2:20)
Q. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” (Galatians 5:16-17) Have you felt this struggle in your life? What steps do we need to take to allow the ‘Holy Spirit to guide our lives?”
If you’re interested in studying more on this topic, you might like my other blog, which is devoted to this topic of the mystery of Christ in us: http://john17twentyone.blogspot.com.
‘No, it proves that Jesus is truly human.’
‘What?
‘Mackenzie, I can fly, but humans can’t. Jesus is fully human. Although he is also fully God, he has never drawn upon his nature as God to do anything. He has only lived out of his relationship with me, living in the very same manner that I desire to be in relationship with every human being. He is just the first to do it to the uttermost – the first to absolutely trust my life within him, the first to believe in my love and my goodness without regard for appearance or consequence.’
‘So, when he healed the blind?’
‘He did so as a dependent, limited human being, trusting in my life and power to be at work within him and through him. Jesus, as a human being, had no power within himself to heal anyone.’
That came as a shock to Mack’s religious system.
‘Only as he rested in his relationship with me, and in our communion – our co-union – could he express my heart and will into any given circumstance. So, when you look at Jesus and it appears that he’s flying, he really is…flying. But what you are actually seeing is me; my life in him. That’s how he lives and acts as a true human, how every human is designed to live – out of my life.’” (pg. 100)
Q. This is one of the boldest claims of this book. Is it biblical? Do you think it is possible for any Christian to perform miraculous signs and wonders like Jesus?
This claim is based on passages like John 14: 10-13. Jesus said, “The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Q. If it is possible for believers today to ‘do what Jesus did,’ why don’t we see more authentic miracles?
Q. The author writes, “Jesus, as a human being, had no power within himself to heal anyone.” (See John 5:30 where Jesus said, “I can do nothing on my own.”) If the same power Jesus had is available, what is required of us to receive it? (See John 14:23, John 15:5, Hebrews 5:7-9, Ephesians 3:14-21, Galatians 3:5, and Galatians 4:19)
Q. Think of the most Christ-like person you know. Now imagine if that person was also doing miraculous signs and wonders like Jesus did. What would be the impact if this type of ‘Jesus life’ was normal for Christians today?
Q. What keeps you from experiencing this?
2. “’Admittedly, Mack, this is special. You were really stuck and we wanted to help you crawl out of your pain. But don’t think that just because I’m not visible, our relationship has to be less real. It will be different, but perhaps even more real.’
‘How is that?’
‘My purpose from the beginning was to live in you and you in me.’
Wait, wait. Wait a minute. How can that happen? If you’re still fully human how can you be inside me?’
‘Astounding, isn’t it? It’s Papa’s miracle. It is the power of Sarayu, my Spirit, the Spirit of God who restores the union that was lost so long ago. Me? I choose to live moment by moment fully human. I am fully God, but I am human to the core. Like I said, it’s Papa’s miracle.’” (pg. 112)
Q. In the first few chapters of the book of Acts we read about the Holy Spirit coming upon the new believers. The result was bold witness, miraculous signs, and the ability to live a loving, holy life. Do you believe the Spirit of God could do something similar today in our lives? Why or why not?
Q. What is our relationship with the Holy Spirit supposed to be? (See John 14:15-21, 25-26, Galatians 5:16-17)
Q. Do you ever wish you could sit down and talk with a physical Jesus like Mack did? How can we experience a ‘real relationship’ with him without being able to see or touch him?
3. “’ Aren’t you talking about a real indwelling, not just some positional, theological thing?’
‘Of course,’ answered Jesus, his voice strong and sure. ‘It’s what everything is all about. The human, formed out of the physical material Creation, can once more be fully indwelt by spiritual life, my life. It requires that a very real dynamic and active union exists.’ (pg. 113)
Q. Many people interpret the many verses about Jesus’ indwelling presence in a ‘positional’ or ‘theological’ way. They don’t expect it Christ living in and through them to be a practical reality. Why do you think we find this idea so hard to accept?
Q. Can you be ‘fully indwelt by spiritual life?’ (See Ephesians 3:14-21, Colossians 2:9-10, and John 17:20-26)
4. “’Mack, just like love, submission is not something that you can do, especially not on your own. Apart from my life inside of you, you can’t submit to Nan, or your children, or anyone else in your life, including Papa.’
‘You mean,’ Mack interjected a little sarcastically, ‘that I can’t just ask, ‘What would Jesus Do?’
Jesus chuckled. ‘Good intentions, bad idea. Let me know how that works for you, if that’s the way you choose to go.’ He paused and grew sober. ‘Seriously, my life was not meant to be an example to copy. Being my follower is not trying to ‘be like Jesus,’ it means for your independence to be killed. I came to give you life, real life, my life. We will come and live our life inside of you, so that you begin to see with our eyes, and hear with our ears, and touch with our hands, and think like we do. But we will never force that union on you. If you want to do your thing, have at it. Time is on our side.’
‘This must be the dying daily that Sarayu was talking about,’ said Mack and nodded.” (pg. 149)
Q. Most of us believe that if we made up our mind, we could change. We could be better Christians, better husbands/wives, and better parents. Paul wrote, “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:18-19) Why is it so hard to admit that we aren’t able to submit to God’s will? Why is it a relief when we finally do?
Q. Do you ever feel like you’re not cut out to live the Christian life? Maybe you have a quick temper, or your sexual desires are too strong, or you can’t stop smoking. Paul wrote, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4) How does a person ‘follow the Spirit’ and live by God’s power?
Q. “Dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.” (Romans 8:12-13) “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.” (Colossians 3:5) What do you think it mean to die to our sinful, earthly nature? How do we accomplish it? (See Galatians 2:20)
Q. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” (Galatians 5:16-17) Have you felt this struggle in your life? What steps do we need to take to allow the ‘Holy Spirit to guide our lives?”
If you’re interested in studying more on this topic, you might like my other blog, which is devoted to this topic of the mystery of Christ in us: http://john17twentyone.blogspot.com.
The mystery of God’s relationship
1. “The three looked at one another and laughed. Mack couldn’t help but smile. ‘No Mackenzie,’ chuckled the black woman. ‘We is all that you get, and believe me, and we’re more than enough.” (pg. 85) “’Then,’ Mack struggled to ask, ‘which one of you is God?’ ‘I am,’ said all three in unison.” (pg. 87)
“’To begin with, that you can’t grasp the wonder of my nature is rather a good thing. Who wants to worship a God who can be fully comprehended, eh? Not much mystery in that.’
‘But what difference does it make that there are three of you, and you are all one God. Did I say that right?’
‘Right enough.’ She grinned. ‘Mackenzie, it makes all the difference in the world! …We are not three gods, and we are not talking about one god with three attitudes, like a man who is a husband, father, and worker. I am one God and I am three persons, and each of the three is fully and entirely the one. …If I were simply One God and only One Person, then you would find yourself in this Creation without something wonderful, without something essential even. And I would be utterly other than I am.’
‘And we would be without…?’ Mack didn’t even know how to finish the question.
‘Love and relationship. All love and relationship is possible for you only because it already exists within Me, within God myself. Love is not the limitation; love is the flying. I am love.’” (pg.101)
Q. The biblical doctrine of the trinity has been one of the most puzzling for Christians of all generations. (1) There is one and only one God, eternal, immutable. (2) There are three eternal Persons described in Scripture - the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. These Persons are never identified with one another - that is, they are carefully differentiated as Persons. (3) The Father, the Son, and the Spirit, are identified as being fully God. Some have used the example of water – one element that can reveal itself as a liquid, solid, or vapor. Have you wrestled with the concept of the trinity? How have you resolved it in your mind?
Q. This doctrine is important especially as it relates to the nature of Jesus. Many people have tried to claim that he is just a human in spite of passages like Colossians 2:9, “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.” In your opinion, why is the Deity of Christ so important?
Q. How does the doctrine of the trinity make ‘all love and relationship possible’ for us?
2. “Keep in mind, Mackenzie, that I am not a human being, not in my very nature, despite how we have chosen to be with you this weekend. I am truly human, in Jesus, but I am totally separate other in my nature.’
‘You do know – of course you do,’ Mack said apologetically – ‘that I can only follow that line of thought so far, and then I get lost and my brain turns to mush?’
‘I understand,’ acknowledged Papa. ‘You cannot see in your mind’s eye something that you cannot experience.’”
Q. When you think about the eternal nature of God – no beginning and no end – or the trinity, or the fact that he is present everywhere at the same time, does your ‘brain turn to mush?’ How comfortable are you with the mysteries of God’s nature?
Q. God spoke to the prophet Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Even our most brilliant discoveries or insights are infinitely less than God’s thoughts. Does this increase your confidence in God? Why or why not?
Q. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.’” (Genesis 1:26-27) The Bible teaches that humans were made in God’s image. How have we humans tried to recreate God in our image?
3. “’Relationships are never about power, and one way to avoid the will to power is to choose to limit oneself – to serve. Humans often do this – in touching the infirm and sick, in serving the ones whose minds have left to wander, in relating to the poor, in loving the very old and the very young, or even in caring for the other who has assumed a position of power over them.’” (pg. 107)
Q. Paul wrote, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11) How did Jesus demonstrate that ‘relationships are never about power?’
Q. Think about your own relationships with family, coworkers, and people at your church. How have you ‘limited yourself to serve?’ Have you ever used your position of power for your own advantage rather than serving the needs of others?
4. “He (Mack) had never seen three people share with such simplicity and beauty. Each seemed more aware of the others than of themself.
‘I love the way you treat each other. It’s certainly not how I expected God to be.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘Well, I know that you are one and all, and that there are three of you. But you respond with such graciousness to each other. Isn’t one of you more the boss than the other two? I mean,’ Mack hurried on, ‘I have always thought of God the Father as sort of being the boss and Jesus as the one following orders, you know, being obedient. I’m not sure how the Holy Spirit fits in exactly. …a free Spirit, but still under the direction of the Father. Does that make sense?’
Jesus looked over at Papa…’Does that make sense to you, Abba? Frankly, I haven’t a clue what this man is talking about.’
Papa scrunched her face up as if exerting great concentration. ‘Nope, I have been trying to make head or tail out of it, but sorry, he’s got me lost.’
‘You know what I’m talking about.’ Mack was a little frustrated. ‘I’m talking about who’s in charge. Don’t you have a chain of command?’
‘Mackenzie, we have no concept of final authority among us, only unity. We are in a circle of relationship, not a chain of command or ‘great chain of being’ as your ancestors termed it. What you’re seeing here is relationship without any overlay of power. We don’t need power over the other because we are always looking out for the best. Hierarchy would make no sense to us. Actually, this is your problem, not ours.’
‘Really? How so?’
‘Humans are so lost and damaged that to you it is almost incomprehensible that people could work or live together without someone being in charge.’
‘…It’s one reason why experiencing true relationship is so difficult for you,’ Jesus added. ‘Once you have a hierarchy you need rules to protect and administer it, and then you need law and the enforcement of rules, and you end up with some kind of chain of command or a system of order that destroys relationship rather than promotes it. You rarely see or experience relationship apart from power. Hierarchy imposes laws and rules and you end up missing the wonder of relationship that we intended for you.’
Sarayu continued, ‘When you chose independence over relationship, you became a danger to each other. Others became objects to be manipulated or managed for your own happiness. Authority, as you usually think of it, is merely the excuse the strong use to make others conform to what the want.’” (pg. 121-123)
Q. The Bible clearly states that there is a hierarchy of authority. For example, in 1 Corinthians 11:3, the Apostle Paul writes, “I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” How do your reconcile this passage with the claim or Papa that ‘there is no final authority among us?’
Q. Later in the same book, Paul wrote, “Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Cor. 15:24-28) We humans are so concerned about who is boss. How does this passage describe God’s approach to authority? How could it inform your relationship to power?
5. “’For now I just want you to be with me and discover that our relationship is not about performance or you having to please me. I’m not a bully, not some self-centered demanding little deity insisting on my own way. I am good, and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation or coercion, only through a relationship of love. And I do love you.’” (pg. 126)
Q. Have you ever felt that your relationships with God and others (especially parents) is ‘about performance or having to please’ them?
Q. Paul wrote, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:1-10) How would you explain God’s grace to a child?
Q. Do people ever feel the pressure to perform in their relationship with you? How could your relationships become more ‘grace-filled?’
6. “’…I’m not very good at relationship stuff, not like Nan.’
Jesus…continued. ‘That’s because like most men you find what you think of as fulfillment in your achievements, and Nan, like most women, find it in relationships. It’s more naturally her language.’
‘Does that mean I’m hopeless” I really want what the three of you share, but I have no idea how to get there.’
‘There’s a lot in your way right now, Mack, but you don’t have to keep living with it.’
‘I know that’s truer now that Missy’s gone, but it has never been easy for me.’
‘You’re not just dealing with Missy’s murder. There’s a larger twisting that makes sharing life with us difficult. The world is broken because in Eden you abandoned relationship with us to assert your own independence. Most men have expressed it by turning to the work of their hands and the sweat of their brow to find their identity, value, and security. By choosing to declare what’s good and evil you seek to determine your own destiny. It was this turning that has caused so much pain. But that isn’t all. The woman’s desire – and the word is actually her ‘turning.’ So the woman’s turning was not to the works of her hands but to the man, and his response was to rule ‘over’ her, to take power over her, to become the ruler. Before the choosing, she found her identity, her security, and her understanding of good and evil only in me, as did man.’
‘No wonder I feel like a failure with Nan. I can’t seem to be that for her.’
‘You weren’t made to be. And in trying you’ll only be playing God.’
‘Is there any way out of this?’
‘It is so simple, but never easy for you. By re-turning. By turning back to me. By giving up your ways of power and manipulation and just coming back to me.’ Jesus sounded like he was pleading. ‘Women in general, will find it difficult to turn from a man and stop demanding that he meets their needs, provides security, and protects their identity, and return to me. Men, in general, find it very hard to turn from the works of their hands, their own quests for power and security and significance, and return to me.’ (pg. 146-147)
Q. In Genesis 3:16, God said to the woman, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." How does this make relationships with the opposite sex more difficult?
Q. How does Jesus promise to deliver us from this curse? (See Ephesians 5:21-33)
7. “’You’re talking about the church as this woman you’re in love with; I’m pretty sure I haven’t met her.’ He turned slightly away. ‘She’s not the place I go on Sundays.’
‘Mack, that’s because you’re only seeing the institution, a man-made system. That’s not what I came to build. What I see are people and their lives, a living breathing community of all those who love me, not buildings and program.’
Mack was a bit taken back to hear Jesus talking about ‘church’ this way, but then again, it didn’t really surprise him. It was a relief. ‘So how do I become part of that church?’ he asked. ‘This woman you seem to be so gaga over.’
‘It’s simple, Mack. It’s all about relationships and simply sharing life. What we are doing right now – just doing this – and being open and available to others around us. My church is all about people and life is all about relationships. You can’t build it. It’s my job and I’m actually pretty good at it,’ Jesus said with a chuckle.” (pg. 177-178)
Q. How is your relationship with ‘the bride of Christ’ – the church?
Q. Has the church ‘institution’ been a barrier in your relationship with God? If so, how can you connect with ‘the living, breathing community of all those who love Jesus’ in spite of past negative experiences?
Q. How can we make the local churches we attend less of a man-made system and more like the organism that Jesus has in mind?
8. “’Who said anything about being a Christian? I’m (Jesus) not a Christian.’
The idea struck Mack as odd and unexpected and he couldn’t keep himself from grinning. ‘No, I suppose you aren’t.’
‘Those who love me (Jesus) come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrats, Republicans and many who don’t vote or are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions. I have followers who were murderers and many who were self-righteous. Some were bankers and bookies, Americans and Iraqis, Jews and Palestinians. I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa, into my brothers and sisters, into my Beloved.’
‘Does that mean,’ asked Mack, ‘that all roads will lead to you?’
‘Not at all,’ smiled Jesus…’Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you.’” (pg. 182)
Q. “It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26) The term means “Christ ones.” It was probably used as a derogatory term – like the phrase “Jesus Freak” today. A recent study (American Religious Identification Survey 2008) showed that the percentage of people who call themselves ‘Christian’ has dropped more than 11% in a generation. The term no longer refers to someone who believes in Jesus. It now has negative political and social ‘baggage’ in some circles. How do you feel about the label ‘Christian?’
Q. It has been said that the two most frequently asked questions in heaven will be “Where is (name)?” and “How did (name) get here?” In Revelation 5:9, the heavenly choir sings, “your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” What is the one thing that all residents of heaven have in common? (See John 5:24)
Q. Some people claim that all sincere people of faith will end up in heaven. Do you agree? Why or why not? (See Acts 4:12)
“’To begin with, that you can’t grasp the wonder of my nature is rather a good thing. Who wants to worship a God who can be fully comprehended, eh? Not much mystery in that.’
‘But what difference does it make that there are three of you, and you are all one God. Did I say that right?’
‘Right enough.’ She grinned. ‘Mackenzie, it makes all the difference in the world! …We are not three gods, and we are not talking about one god with three attitudes, like a man who is a husband, father, and worker. I am one God and I am three persons, and each of the three is fully and entirely the one. …If I were simply One God and only One Person, then you would find yourself in this Creation without something wonderful, without something essential even. And I would be utterly other than I am.’
‘And we would be without…?’ Mack didn’t even know how to finish the question.
‘Love and relationship. All love and relationship is possible for you only because it already exists within Me, within God myself. Love is not the limitation; love is the flying. I am love.’” (pg.101)
Q. The biblical doctrine of the trinity has been one of the most puzzling for Christians of all generations. (1) There is one and only one God, eternal, immutable. (2) There are three eternal Persons described in Scripture - the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. These Persons are never identified with one another - that is, they are carefully differentiated as Persons. (3) The Father, the Son, and the Spirit, are identified as being fully God. Some have used the example of water – one element that can reveal itself as a liquid, solid, or vapor. Have you wrestled with the concept of the trinity? How have you resolved it in your mind?
Q. This doctrine is important especially as it relates to the nature of Jesus. Many people have tried to claim that he is just a human in spite of passages like Colossians 2:9, “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.” In your opinion, why is the Deity of Christ so important?
Q. How does the doctrine of the trinity make ‘all love and relationship possible’ for us?
2. “Keep in mind, Mackenzie, that I am not a human being, not in my very nature, despite how we have chosen to be with you this weekend. I am truly human, in Jesus, but I am totally separate other in my nature.’
‘You do know – of course you do,’ Mack said apologetically – ‘that I can only follow that line of thought so far, and then I get lost and my brain turns to mush?’
‘I understand,’ acknowledged Papa. ‘You cannot see in your mind’s eye something that you cannot experience.’”
Q. When you think about the eternal nature of God – no beginning and no end – or the trinity, or the fact that he is present everywhere at the same time, does your ‘brain turn to mush?’ How comfortable are you with the mysteries of God’s nature?
Q. God spoke to the prophet Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Even our most brilliant discoveries or insights are infinitely less than God’s thoughts. Does this increase your confidence in God? Why or why not?
Q. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.’” (Genesis 1:26-27) The Bible teaches that humans were made in God’s image. How have we humans tried to recreate God in our image?
3. “’Relationships are never about power, and one way to avoid the will to power is to choose to limit oneself – to serve. Humans often do this – in touching the infirm and sick, in serving the ones whose minds have left to wander, in relating to the poor, in loving the very old and the very young, or even in caring for the other who has assumed a position of power over them.’” (pg. 107)
Q. Paul wrote, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11) How did Jesus demonstrate that ‘relationships are never about power?’
Q. Think about your own relationships with family, coworkers, and people at your church. How have you ‘limited yourself to serve?’ Have you ever used your position of power for your own advantage rather than serving the needs of others?
4. “He (Mack) had never seen three people share with such simplicity and beauty. Each seemed more aware of the others than of themself.
‘I love the way you treat each other. It’s certainly not how I expected God to be.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘Well, I know that you are one and all, and that there are three of you. But you respond with such graciousness to each other. Isn’t one of you more the boss than the other two? I mean,’ Mack hurried on, ‘I have always thought of God the Father as sort of being the boss and Jesus as the one following orders, you know, being obedient. I’m not sure how the Holy Spirit fits in exactly. …a free Spirit, but still under the direction of the Father. Does that make sense?’
Jesus looked over at Papa…’Does that make sense to you, Abba? Frankly, I haven’t a clue what this man is talking about.’
Papa scrunched her face up as if exerting great concentration. ‘Nope, I have been trying to make head or tail out of it, but sorry, he’s got me lost.’
‘You know what I’m talking about.’ Mack was a little frustrated. ‘I’m talking about who’s in charge. Don’t you have a chain of command?’
‘Mackenzie, we have no concept of final authority among us, only unity. We are in a circle of relationship, not a chain of command or ‘great chain of being’ as your ancestors termed it. What you’re seeing here is relationship without any overlay of power. We don’t need power over the other because we are always looking out for the best. Hierarchy would make no sense to us. Actually, this is your problem, not ours.’
‘Really? How so?’
‘Humans are so lost and damaged that to you it is almost incomprehensible that people could work or live together without someone being in charge.’
‘…It’s one reason why experiencing true relationship is so difficult for you,’ Jesus added. ‘Once you have a hierarchy you need rules to protect and administer it, and then you need law and the enforcement of rules, and you end up with some kind of chain of command or a system of order that destroys relationship rather than promotes it. You rarely see or experience relationship apart from power. Hierarchy imposes laws and rules and you end up missing the wonder of relationship that we intended for you.’
Sarayu continued, ‘When you chose independence over relationship, you became a danger to each other. Others became objects to be manipulated or managed for your own happiness. Authority, as you usually think of it, is merely the excuse the strong use to make others conform to what the want.’” (pg. 121-123)
Q. The Bible clearly states that there is a hierarchy of authority. For example, in 1 Corinthians 11:3, the Apostle Paul writes, “I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” How do your reconcile this passage with the claim or Papa that ‘there is no final authority among us?’
Q. Later in the same book, Paul wrote, “Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Cor. 15:24-28) We humans are so concerned about who is boss. How does this passage describe God’s approach to authority? How could it inform your relationship to power?
5. “’For now I just want you to be with me and discover that our relationship is not about performance or you having to please me. I’m not a bully, not some self-centered demanding little deity insisting on my own way. I am good, and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation or coercion, only through a relationship of love. And I do love you.’” (pg. 126)
Q. Have you ever felt that your relationships with God and others (especially parents) is ‘about performance or having to please’ them?
Q. Paul wrote, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:1-10) How would you explain God’s grace to a child?
Q. Do people ever feel the pressure to perform in their relationship with you? How could your relationships become more ‘grace-filled?’
6. “’…I’m not very good at relationship stuff, not like Nan.’
Jesus…continued. ‘That’s because like most men you find what you think of as fulfillment in your achievements, and Nan, like most women, find it in relationships. It’s more naturally her language.’
‘Does that mean I’m hopeless” I really want what the three of you share, but I have no idea how to get there.’
‘There’s a lot in your way right now, Mack, but you don’t have to keep living with it.’
‘I know that’s truer now that Missy’s gone, but it has never been easy for me.’
‘You’re not just dealing with Missy’s murder. There’s a larger twisting that makes sharing life with us difficult. The world is broken because in Eden you abandoned relationship with us to assert your own independence. Most men have expressed it by turning to the work of their hands and the sweat of their brow to find their identity, value, and security. By choosing to declare what’s good and evil you seek to determine your own destiny. It was this turning that has caused so much pain. But that isn’t all. The woman’s desire – and the word is actually her ‘turning.’ So the woman’s turning was not to the works of her hands but to the man, and his response was to rule ‘over’ her, to take power over her, to become the ruler. Before the choosing, she found her identity, her security, and her understanding of good and evil only in me, as did man.’
‘No wonder I feel like a failure with Nan. I can’t seem to be that for her.’
‘You weren’t made to be. And in trying you’ll only be playing God.’
‘Is there any way out of this?’
‘It is so simple, but never easy for you. By re-turning. By turning back to me. By giving up your ways of power and manipulation and just coming back to me.’ Jesus sounded like he was pleading. ‘Women in general, will find it difficult to turn from a man and stop demanding that he meets their needs, provides security, and protects their identity, and return to me. Men, in general, find it very hard to turn from the works of their hands, their own quests for power and security and significance, and return to me.’ (pg. 146-147)
Q. In Genesis 3:16, God said to the woman, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." How does this make relationships with the opposite sex more difficult?
Q. How does Jesus promise to deliver us from this curse? (See Ephesians 5:21-33)
7. “’You’re talking about the church as this woman you’re in love with; I’m pretty sure I haven’t met her.’ He turned slightly away. ‘She’s not the place I go on Sundays.’
‘Mack, that’s because you’re only seeing the institution, a man-made system. That’s not what I came to build. What I see are people and their lives, a living breathing community of all those who love me, not buildings and program.’
Mack was a bit taken back to hear Jesus talking about ‘church’ this way, but then again, it didn’t really surprise him. It was a relief. ‘So how do I become part of that church?’ he asked. ‘This woman you seem to be so gaga over.’
‘It’s simple, Mack. It’s all about relationships and simply sharing life. What we are doing right now – just doing this – and being open and available to others around us. My church is all about people and life is all about relationships. You can’t build it. It’s my job and I’m actually pretty good at it,’ Jesus said with a chuckle.” (pg. 177-178)
Q. How is your relationship with ‘the bride of Christ’ – the church?
Q. Has the church ‘institution’ been a barrier in your relationship with God? If so, how can you connect with ‘the living, breathing community of all those who love Jesus’ in spite of past negative experiences?
Q. How can we make the local churches we attend less of a man-made system and more like the organism that Jesus has in mind?
8. “’Who said anything about being a Christian? I’m (Jesus) not a Christian.’
The idea struck Mack as odd and unexpected and he couldn’t keep himself from grinning. ‘No, I suppose you aren’t.’
‘Those who love me (Jesus) come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrats, Republicans and many who don’t vote or are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions. I have followers who were murderers and many who were self-righteous. Some were bankers and bookies, Americans and Iraqis, Jews and Palestinians. I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa, into my brothers and sisters, into my Beloved.’
‘Does that mean,’ asked Mack, ‘that all roads will lead to you?’
‘Not at all,’ smiled Jesus…’Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you.’” (pg. 182)
Q. “It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26) The term means “Christ ones.” It was probably used as a derogatory term – like the phrase “Jesus Freak” today. A recent study (American Religious Identification Survey 2008) showed that the percentage of people who call themselves ‘Christian’ has dropped more than 11% in a generation. The term no longer refers to someone who believes in Jesus. It now has negative political and social ‘baggage’ in some circles. How do you feel about the label ‘Christian?’
Q. It has been said that the two most frequently asked questions in heaven will be “Where is (name)?” and “How did (name) get here?” In Revelation 5:9, the heavenly choir sings, “your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” What is the one thing that all residents of heaven have in common? (See John 5:24)
Q. Some people claim that all sincere people of faith will end up in heaven. Do you agree? Why or why not? (See Acts 4:12)
Meeting “Sophia” – God’s wisdom
1. Mack’s encounter with Sophia, the personification of God’s wisdom (pg. 171) shows how foolish we are to judge God for the tragic circumstances in our lives. Sophia starts by sincerely complementing Mack on his fatherly love for his family. She asks Mack to take the judge’s seat. She lists people who should be judged for greed, abuse, and for causing the suffering of others. Then she mentions the man who murdered Missy. Mack screams, “Yes! Damn him to hell!” Sophia responds, “What about his father, the man who twisted his son into a terror, what about him?” Mack responds, “Yes, him too!”
“’How far do we go back, Mackenzie? This legacy of brokenness goes all the way back to Adam, what about him? But why stop there? What about God? God started this whole thing. Is God to blame?
‘The woman was unrelenting. “Isn’t this where you are stuck Mackenzie? Isn’t this what fuels The Great Sadness? That God cannot be trusted? Surely, a father like you can judge the Father!’ (pg. 151-161)
Q. Imagine that you had been given the authority and power to judge the world? What would be your first act? Is there someone you would ‘damn to hell?’
Q. Have you ever been disappointed or angry with God? Why? How did you handle your emotions?
Q. The Bible gives many examples of people who have been angry or disappointed with God and expressed it either in anguished questions (Psalms), angry outbursts (Job), or sad poetry (Lamentations). Sophia tries to help liberate Mack from ‘The Great Sadness” by challenging him to come to grips with his emotions and express them. The Psalmist tells us to “Pour out your heart before Him.” (Psalm 62:8). Do you have unresolved feelings about God? If so, take time now to honestly tell him how you feel.
2. “Sophia continued. ‘Isn’t that your just complaint, Mackenzie? That God has failed you, that he failed Missy? That before the Creation, God knew that one day your Missy would be brutalized, and still he created? And then he allowed that twisted soul to snatch her from your loving arms when he had the power to stop him. Isn’t God to blame, Mackenzie?’
…Finally, he said it, louder than he intended, and pointed his finger right at her. ‘Yes! God is to blame! The accusation hung in the room as the gavel fell in his heart.” (pg. 161)
Q. The Apostle John tells a story of disappointment with Jesus (see John 11). Two of Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha, had an urgent need for his Jesus’ help. Their brother was dying. They had seen him heal many others, so they knew it wouldn’t be difficult for him to reverse Lazarus’ sickness. They sent a message asking him to come, but he didn’t. Finally Lazarus died. When Jesus finally did show up, how did the sister’s response differ? (see John 11:21-27 and John 11:31-32). What was Jesus’ response to their pain? (see John 11:33-35)
Q. Have you ever felt that God failed you? Did he allow something to happen that he could have prevented or failed to answer a desperate prayer? If you could meet with God in person, what would you say?
Q. After losing his wealth, family, and health, Job said “As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.” (Job 13:3) Could you win the argument? Why or why not? (See Job 38:1-3)
3. “’…If you are able to judge God so easily, then you certainly can judge the world.’ Again she spoke without emotion. “You must choose two of your children to spend eternity in God’s new heaven and new earth, but only two.’
‘What?’ he erupted, turning to her in disbelief.
‘And you must choose three of your children to spend eternity in hell.’
Mack couldn’t believe what he was hearing and started to panic.
‘Mackenzie, I am only asking you to do something that you believe God does. He knows every person ever conceived and he knows them so much deeper and clearer than you will ever know your own children. He loves each one according to his knowledge of the being of that son or daughter. You believe he will condemn most to an eternity of torment, away from His presence and apart from His love. Is that not true?’
“I suppose I do. I just never thought about it like this. I just assumed that somehow God could do that. Talking about hell was always sort of an abstract conversation, not about anyone that I truly…’ Mack hestitated, realizing that what he was about to say would sound ugly, ‘not about anyone that I truly cared about.’ (pg. 161-162)
Q. Do you believe in a literal hell and heaven? Why or why not?
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:13-15) Jesus described hell as “unquenchable fire.” (Mark 9:43) How could a loving God allow any human to endure eternal torment?
Q. Imagine you were given the responsibility for deciding who would go to heaven or hell. How would you make the decision?
Q. According to the Bible, how does a person make sure he or she will not be sent to the eternal torment of hell? (See John 3:16, 5:24)
4. “’So you suppose, then, that God does this easily, but you cannot? Come now, Mackenzie. Which three of our five children will you sentence to hell?
‘I don’t want to be the judge,’ he said, standing up. ‘I can’t do this. I…will…not…do…this!’ Mack yelled.
‘You must,’ she whispered.
‘I can’t. I can’t. I won’t!’ he screamed. Finally he looked at her, pleading with his eyes. ‘Could I go instead? If you need someone to torture for eternity, I’ll go in their place. Would that work? Could I do that?’ He fell at her feet, crying and begging now. ‘Please let me go for my children, please, I would be happy to… Please, I am begging you. Please…Please…
‘Mackenzie…now you sound like Jesus. You have judged well…You have judged them worthy of love, even if it cost you everything. That is how Jesus loves. And now you know Papa’s heart,’ she added, ‘who loves all his children perfectly.’” (pg. 162-163)
Q. Would you be willing to be tortured for eternity if you could be assured that every member of your family could go to heaven?
Q. The Apostle Paul would have sacrificed himself for his people, the Jews (see Romans 9:1-3). Would you be willing to offer your eternity for the people in your community?
Q. Paul wrote, “our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies.” (Romans 5:10) Would you be willing to endure the torture of hell forever for your enemies? (See Luke 6:35)
5. “’But he (God) didn’t stop it (the murder of Missy).’
‘No, he didn’t. He doesn’t stop a lot of things that cause him pain. Your world is severely broken. You demanded your independence, and now you are angry with the one who loved you enough to give it to you. Nothing is as it should be, as Papa desires it to be, and as it will be one day. Right now your world is lost in darkness and chaos, and horrible things happen to those that he is especially fond of.
‘Then why doesn’t he do something about it?’
‘He already has…’
‘You mean what Jesus did?’
‘Haven’t you seen the wounds on Papa too?’
‘I don’t understand them. How could he…’
‘For love. He chose the way of the cross where mercy triumphs over justice because of love. Would you instead prefer he had chosen justice for everyone? Do you want justice, ‘Dear Judge’?’
‘No I don’t,’ he said as he lowered his head. ‘Not for me, and not for my children.’” (pg. 164-165)
Q. We’ve all heard our children say, “It’s not fair!” Do you wish life was fair? Why or why not?
Q. If you received pure justice, where would you be?
Q. Paul wrote, “For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone. Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” (Romans 11:32-33) Is God’s mercy fair?
Q. What does the Apostle James mean by his phrase, “mercy triumphs over justice?” (James 2:13)
Q. Paul explains God’s mercy in Ephesians 2:1-8. “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Based on this passage, why is bragging about our religious beliefs or actions so offensive to God?
6. “’But I still don’t understand why Missy had to die.’
‘She didn’t have to, Mackenzie. This was no plan of Papa’s. Papa has never needed evil to accomplish his purposes. It is you humans who have embraced evil and Papa has responded with goodness. What happened to Missy was the work of evil and no one in your world is immune from it.’
‘But it hurts so much. There must be a better way.’
‘There is. You just can’t see it now. Return from your independence, Mackenzie. Give up being his judge and know Papa for who he is. Then you will be able to embrace his love in the midst of your pain, instead of pushing him away with your self-centered perception of how you think the universe should be. Papa has crawled inside of your world to be with you, to be with Missy.’” (pg. 165)
Q. Are the tragedies in our lives part of God’s plan for us? Why does God allow bad things to happen?
Q. How does God ‘redeem’ our trials for his purposes? (See Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, James 5:10-11))
Q. What do you think Sophia means by her invitation to Mack to “return from (his) independence?”
Q. How is it possible to “embrace (God’s) love in the midst of our pain?” (See 1 Peter 1:3-8)
Q. Does it help you to know that God has “crawled inside your world to be with you?” (See 1 Peter 5:7)
“’How far do we go back, Mackenzie? This legacy of brokenness goes all the way back to Adam, what about him? But why stop there? What about God? God started this whole thing. Is God to blame?
‘The woman was unrelenting. “Isn’t this where you are stuck Mackenzie? Isn’t this what fuels The Great Sadness? That God cannot be trusted? Surely, a father like you can judge the Father!’ (pg. 151-161)
Q. Imagine that you had been given the authority and power to judge the world? What would be your first act? Is there someone you would ‘damn to hell?’
Q. Have you ever been disappointed or angry with God? Why? How did you handle your emotions?
Q. The Bible gives many examples of people who have been angry or disappointed with God and expressed it either in anguished questions (Psalms), angry outbursts (Job), or sad poetry (Lamentations). Sophia tries to help liberate Mack from ‘The Great Sadness” by challenging him to come to grips with his emotions and express them. The Psalmist tells us to “Pour out your heart before Him.” (Psalm 62:8). Do you have unresolved feelings about God? If so, take time now to honestly tell him how you feel.
2. “Sophia continued. ‘Isn’t that your just complaint, Mackenzie? That God has failed you, that he failed Missy? That before the Creation, God knew that one day your Missy would be brutalized, and still he created? And then he allowed that twisted soul to snatch her from your loving arms when he had the power to stop him. Isn’t God to blame, Mackenzie?’
…Finally, he said it, louder than he intended, and pointed his finger right at her. ‘Yes! God is to blame! The accusation hung in the room as the gavel fell in his heart.” (pg. 161)
Q. The Apostle John tells a story of disappointment with Jesus (see John 11). Two of Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha, had an urgent need for his Jesus’ help. Their brother was dying. They had seen him heal many others, so they knew it wouldn’t be difficult for him to reverse Lazarus’ sickness. They sent a message asking him to come, but he didn’t. Finally Lazarus died. When Jesus finally did show up, how did the sister’s response differ? (see John 11:21-27 and John 11:31-32). What was Jesus’ response to their pain? (see John 11:33-35)
Q. Have you ever felt that God failed you? Did he allow something to happen that he could have prevented or failed to answer a desperate prayer? If you could meet with God in person, what would you say?
Q. After losing his wealth, family, and health, Job said “As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.” (Job 13:3) Could you win the argument? Why or why not? (See Job 38:1-3)
3. “’…If you are able to judge God so easily, then you certainly can judge the world.’ Again she spoke without emotion. “You must choose two of your children to spend eternity in God’s new heaven and new earth, but only two.’
‘What?’ he erupted, turning to her in disbelief.
‘And you must choose three of your children to spend eternity in hell.’
Mack couldn’t believe what he was hearing and started to panic.
‘Mackenzie, I am only asking you to do something that you believe God does. He knows every person ever conceived and he knows them so much deeper and clearer than you will ever know your own children. He loves each one according to his knowledge of the being of that son or daughter. You believe he will condemn most to an eternity of torment, away from His presence and apart from His love. Is that not true?’
“I suppose I do. I just never thought about it like this. I just assumed that somehow God could do that. Talking about hell was always sort of an abstract conversation, not about anyone that I truly…’ Mack hestitated, realizing that what he was about to say would sound ugly, ‘not about anyone that I truly cared about.’ (pg. 161-162)
Q. Do you believe in a literal hell and heaven? Why or why not?
Q. The Apostle John wrote, “And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:13-15) Jesus described hell as “unquenchable fire.” (Mark 9:43) How could a loving God allow any human to endure eternal torment?
Q. Imagine you were given the responsibility for deciding who would go to heaven or hell. How would you make the decision?
Q. According to the Bible, how does a person make sure he or she will not be sent to the eternal torment of hell? (See John 3:16, 5:24)
4. “’So you suppose, then, that God does this easily, but you cannot? Come now, Mackenzie. Which three of our five children will you sentence to hell?
‘I don’t want to be the judge,’ he said, standing up. ‘I can’t do this. I…will…not…do…this!’ Mack yelled.
‘You must,’ she whispered.
‘I can’t. I can’t. I won’t!’ he screamed. Finally he looked at her, pleading with his eyes. ‘Could I go instead? If you need someone to torture for eternity, I’ll go in their place. Would that work? Could I do that?’ He fell at her feet, crying and begging now. ‘Please let me go for my children, please, I would be happy to… Please, I am begging you. Please…Please…
‘Mackenzie…now you sound like Jesus. You have judged well…You have judged them worthy of love, even if it cost you everything. That is how Jesus loves. And now you know Papa’s heart,’ she added, ‘who loves all his children perfectly.’” (pg. 162-163)
Q. Would you be willing to be tortured for eternity if you could be assured that every member of your family could go to heaven?
Q. The Apostle Paul would have sacrificed himself for his people, the Jews (see Romans 9:1-3). Would you be willing to offer your eternity for the people in your community?
Q. Paul wrote, “our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies.” (Romans 5:10) Would you be willing to endure the torture of hell forever for your enemies? (See Luke 6:35)
5. “’But he (God) didn’t stop it (the murder of Missy).’
‘No, he didn’t. He doesn’t stop a lot of things that cause him pain. Your world is severely broken. You demanded your independence, and now you are angry with the one who loved you enough to give it to you. Nothing is as it should be, as Papa desires it to be, and as it will be one day. Right now your world is lost in darkness and chaos, and horrible things happen to those that he is especially fond of.
‘Then why doesn’t he do something about it?’
‘He already has…’
‘You mean what Jesus did?’
‘Haven’t you seen the wounds on Papa too?’
‘I don’t understand them. How could he…’
‘For love. He chose the way of the cross where mercy triumphs over justice because of love. Would you instead prefer he had chosen justice for everyone? Do you want justice, ‘Dear Judge’?’
‘No I don’t,’ he said as he lowered his head. ‘Not for me, and not for my children.’” (pg. 164-165)
Q. We’ve all heard our children say, “It’s not fair!” Do you wish life was fair? Why or why not?
Q. If you received pure justice, where would you be?
Q. Paul wrote, “For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone. Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” (Romans 11:32-33) Is God’s mercy fair?
Q. What does the Apostle James mean by his phrase, “mercy triumphs over justice?” (James 2:13)
Q. Paul explains God’s mercy in Ephesians 2:1-8. “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Based on this passage, why is bragging about our religious beliefs or actions so offensive to God?
6. “’But I still don’t understand why Missy had to die.’
‘She didn’t have to, Mackenzie. This was no plan of Papa’s. Papa has never needed evil to accomplish his purposes. It is you humans who have embraced evil and Papa has responded with goodness. What happened to Missy was the work of evil and no one in your world is immune from it.’
‘But it hurts so much. There must be a better way.’
‘There is. You just can’t see it now. Return from your independence, Mackenzie. Give up being his judge and know Papa for who he is. Then you will be able to embrace his love in the midst of your pain, instead of pushing him away with your self-centered perception of how you think the universe should be. Papa has crawled inside of your world to be with you, to be with Missy.’” (pg. 165)
Q. Are the tragedies in our lives part of God’s plan for us? Why does God allow bad things to happen?
Q. How does God ‘redeem’ our trials for his purposes? (See Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, James 5:10-11))
Q. What do you think Sophia means by her invitation to Mack to “return from (his) independence?”
Q. How is it possible to “embrace (God’s) love in the midst of our pain?” (See 1 Peter 1:3-8)
Q. Does it help you to know that God has “crawled inside your world to be with you?” (See 1 Peter 5:7)
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