A Long Obedience In the Same Direction

Eugene Peterson is probably most famous for his work on the translation of the bible called “The Message.” But, I have discovered in recent years - he was SO much more than that. His knowledge of the original languages is incredible, but his knowledge of the bible - both the words on the page, but also the meaning behind those words -  is even more inspiring. He has an intimacy with the way he walks through the pages of scripture that left me with my jaw on the floor more than once.

This book is older, and people have recommended it to me for a long time - but I never got around to it until last month. I can’t believe what I was missing! Peterson walks through the “Psalms of Ascent” (Psalm 120-135-ish) and he unpacks things I never knew, and points out insights I never thought of before. This was one of those deep, insightful texts, where I read a little bit - and then have to pause to ponder and reflect on what I just read before I can read a little bit more. There’s a lot of beauty and depth in this work. This book inspired several spiritual breakthroughs in my walk with God - and I definitely recommend it to you. 

Not only did I love this book, but Peterson has skyrocketed up my list of favorite potential authors - and I am now on the look out for more of his books to add to my collection. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find out that his contribution to Christian spiritual growth goes WAY beyond “The Message.”