The Matthean Adventures
This is an exciting course module for me,
sitting in a class of five new classmates, three I know and an interesting lecturer
who is also new to me. On the whole, the class was enjoyable and beneficial to me.
My lecturer has his ways to always make us laugh. My group members are gorgeous
and fantastic. They do their assignments seriously, meticulously and with a
spirit of excellence. I have learnt a
lot from them and had really enjoyed participating and watching the skits we
had put up. I thank God for my lecturer and all my classmates.
As I have just started my Biblical
Interpretation class, it is the first time I learn of the essential
requirements of an effective narrative which are the 6W’s, characters, setting,
plot and conflicts. I have learnt that a narrative is neither fictional nor “pure
historical” but consists of true stories of historical events. During the
hands-on practices based on Matt 2: 1-12, I have learnt how to do the arc diagram,
the situation and response table, the literary context and the narrative
observation. These processes have actually helped me to look into the details of
every verse and to discover the full message by differentiating the “how” and
the “why”. I have applied the same
skills to the assignment on Matt 4: 1-11. This double portion has helped me to
see how a message is developed and is the greatest take away of this course for
me. The lecturer is really training us in the Word of God “line upon line and precept
upon precept”. He has also spent much time to make sure we get to the right word
to describe a situation or person. I have definitely increased my understanding
and analysis ability through the course.
The Spiritual Exercises and Reflections are
unique in this course. They have helped me to examine myself better, search and
dig deeper into my inner self, instead of just scratching the surface.
Initially I had nothing to write or I just did not know what to write. Then I
started praying to the Lord. He showed me many things about myself, my worries
and procrastinations. I found myself in tears when I realized I could have done
better for Him if I were to be more obedient and submissive in my younger age. I
appreciate the motive and intention of my lecturer to hone us and mould us
through these exercises. As he had said in one of the sessions, taking modules
at the Bible College is not just about getting ‘As’, but ultimately what do we do with our life is
more important. If I do not allow the Holy Spirit to probe deep inside me, I will
not have breakthrough in my life. As I continue my spiritual walk, no matter
how busy I become, I must continue to have regular spiritual exercises and
reflections in order to see the dark side of myself. I am open if my lecturers or
leaders want to give me spiritual exercises to do in my spiritual walk.
In the course of the module, I have also
learnt new computer skills. I have downloaded the “Firefox” software in my
computer and learnt the application of “Zotero” for bibliography and footnote.
I have also learnt to set up a blog and to post my writing on it. I had the interest to set up my own blog since
some time ago, but never get to do it till now. This course is truly a blessing
to me. It was not so difficulty as I
thought and feared initially. In the present age, the great advancement in
technology has opened doors for the enemy to attack all people, believers as
well as non-believers and of all ages, through electronic sources like internet,
websites, tablets and i-phones. We, as Christians can make a difference to and
impact the world by posting life testimonies, teachings and sharing based on
the Word of God on our blogs. We must counteract the violent work of the forces
of darkness and encourage Christians to share and encourage each other through
blogging, like what Dr Andrew Ong does each month in his blog.
After gleaning through the textbook for
Mathew, I would like to sum up what I have learnt with the term RP3 :
R= relationships
It is the intimate relationship of Christ
with the Father that has given Him the sense of identity and security as the
Son of God. This has enabled Him to accomplish His mission. Today, my
relationship with the Father is also restored through the Messiah King. As a
child of His kingdom, I must be sure of my identity, value and destiny in Him. The
thought of other spiritual relationships (Matt 12: 46-50) is also
very important. Very often the closest relationships and sweetest fellowship
are not with our own family members, but with brothers and sisters in the Lord
who have the same spirit and vision as we have, and who are walking in the
light. But this does not mean that we neglect our family members and loved ones
who are not Christians. We must still love them, be a good testimony to them
and continue to pray for their salvation.
P= plan
The first P is the plan of God. God
has a special plan for His beloved son, Jesus and the people of Israel. No other
plans of men or of Satan can thwart the plan of God. As a believer, I am sure,
God too has a very special plan in my life and I must press towards the goal of
His high calling. I must be who God
wants me to be and not compare with others or envy others who have a greater
ministry than I. I must be contented in Him (1 Tim 6:6).
P= process
The second P is process. This is
the process whereby God prepares and purifies His vessels for His glorious use.
The Lord Jesus has to go through temptations, trials, rejections, oppositions,
sufferings and persecutions before He could accomplish His mission. Likewise all servants of the Lord, inclusive
of the early church disciples go through the wilderness test. It is the
attitude that determines the altitude of our ministry. The wilderness is a formation period. When we face
wilderness in our spiritual journey, we must respond with the right attitude. Sometimes we are not able
to see God’s purpose till it is over.
Even then, we must not give up hope; cling on to God, believing that trials and
sufferings are temporal. When we pass the test, the Lord will
promote us to accomplish His plan.
P= price
The third P is price. The price
for true discipleship is very costly. The
Lord Jesus has made it very clear throughout the book of Mathew that it demands
a high degree of commitment and can cost us everything. However, the rewards are infinitely greater
than the sacrifices. As a disciple, I
must trust and believe in Him enough to follow Him closely. My life needs to be Christ-centred and not
self-centred. I need to do away with following rules, traditions and rituals and the
old mind-set of just having head knowledge of Jesus and the Bible, step out of
the box and comfort zone of the church to win Christ and teach others the value
of His kingdom.
This course has helped me to experience the life of Christ in a fresh way, and in so doing, come to know Him more intimately and to follow Him daily.
