I am reading a book called, The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative by Christopher Wright. Dave Rahn a friend and mentor was the first person to recommend this to me nearly a year ago. I have finally have gotten around to making it a priority.

I have read a lot on the mission of God the last few years. I haven’t grown tired of the subject by any means but I have grown tired in this respect; most of the books on the mission of God (just the ones that I have read) have been more about how to live out God’s mission via the teachings of the NT, almost completely neglecting the importance and significance of the OT. Wright’s book is different.

Wright is helping the reader see the theological priority of God’s mission through the readings and teachings of both the OT and the NT. Wright says,

“My approach has been rather different. I have tried to identify some of the underlying themes that are woven all through the Bible’s grand narrative–themes that are foundational pillars of the biblical worldview and therefore also of biblical theology; monotheism, creation, humanity, election, redemption, covenant, ethics, future hope. In each case I have then tried to pay full attention to their Old Testament roots before moving through to see the New Testament development, fulfillment or extension in each case. Most of the chapters therefore include reflections drawn from both Testaments, sometimes moving backward and forward between them.” (from the Introduction)

Wright’s book is over 500 pages. That is a lot for me — maybe for most. I am, however, committed to reading the entire thing as I hope it will accurately inform the book I am currently writing. Also, I am hoping to post what I am learning every now and again too. What would be very cool is if others of you wanted to read the book along with me (or those of you who have already read it) and make comments to my posts or I’ll make comments to your posts. Whatever…

One more quote from Wright:

“Fundamentally, our mission (if it is biblically informed and validated) means our committed participation as God’s people, at God’s invitation and command, in God’s own mission within the history of God’s world for the redemption of God’s creation.” (pg.22-23)