ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 10, 2025
The greatest Old Testament scholar of our time (my opinion, though I’m not alone), Dr. Walter Brueggemann, died last Friday. I found him brilliant, not because he was born in Nebraska, but because of his capacity to bring alive a passage within its historical context and the quirkiness of ancient Hebrew, while exposing the raw beauty of a people trying to tell their story in light of a God they were beginning to imagine. But along with his brilliance, he was also funny, especially when I heard him speak in person. In a Q&A session, his dry and quick sense of humor kept us engaged. There are so many thoughts and quotes I could offer, but today I will share these words from Dr. Walter Brueggemann.
Like the ancient prophets, we are dispatched back to the good work entrusted to us. It is the work of peace-making. It is the work of truth-telling. It is the work of justice-doing. It is good work, but it requires our resolve to stay it, even in the face of the forces to the contrary that are sure to prevail for a season.
Lord God, we express our deepest gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to studying the Bible. Their commitment has enriched countless lives and broadened the church’s understanding of faithfulness. Amen.
