Violating My Expectations

The second week of my second year at Luther Seminary has just begun. I'm just now settling back into the rhythm of a life dominated by reading and writing. I'd like to use this blog more effectively this year in processing what I am learning. We'll see if that happens.

One of my most anticipated classes this semester is "Foundations of Biblical Preaching" with one of my preaching idols David Lose. The course is co-taught with Karoline Lewis and both have recently become internet sensations with their commentaries on WorkingPreacher.org.

Over the past few years, I've come to love being in the pulpit. That's not completely true. What I think I really love is the preparation for being in the pulpit. Yes, delivering a good sermon is enjoyable but the real pleasure happens in the preparation.

One of the assigned texts for my preaching class is The Witness of Preaching by Thomas G. Long, professor of preaching at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. In the discussing the biblical witness of preaching, Long encourages us to wrestle with the challenges of our life and then bring those challenges to the texts.

"The text must be allowed to surprise us, even violate our expectations." - Thomas G. Long

I appreciate the reminder that the Gospel is, to it's core, a radical, catalytic story. We need to let the story do the work, not the other way around. If we're faithful to the process, we might just be surprised by what we find.