The Matthean Adventures

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.