The Relational Context

In his book Searching for God Knows What, Donald Miller said this, "Biblically, you are hard-pressed to find theological ideas divorced from their relational context. There are, essentially, three dominant metaphors describing our relationship with God: sheep to a shepherd, child to a father, and bride to a bridegroom. The idea of Christ's disciples being His mother and father and brothers and sisters is also presented. In fact, few places in Scripture speak to the Christian conversion experience through any method other than relational metaphor."
I like what he says. Everything in the Christian life must be placed into a relational context. Here's the problem:
Sheep to Shepherd--How many of us can relate to this? Have you ever owned sheep? Have you ever been around sheep. What do you know about shepherding outside of the context of Scripture?
Child to a Father--Some understand this, but others have no clue. If your father was abusive, ungodly, or worldly, how will you understand the relationship of a loving father and son?
Bride to a Bridegroom--Depending on whom you listen to, nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce. Many are living together without the benefit of marriage. The marriage state is being attacked on a daily basis.
So if these are the metaphors used and these same institutions are non-existent or rare, how do we learn of the true relationship that God wants with us? We have to search for mentors who can show us the correct examples. We have to work at our own relationships. We must search for God in the most unlikely places. But oh what a journey it is. The relationship with God is one that we can treasure. One that we can bask in. One that we can enjoy.

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Friday I was golfing in the 60s (degrees, not golf scores). Today we have snow on the ground. Everywhere I have ever lived, I have heard the phrase, "If you don't like the weather, just wait 30 minutes." It's kind of like life.

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Go Hogs! Beat the Bucknell Bisons! Congratulations to the Track and Field Razorbacks. I believe it was their 42nd national championship. Woooo Pig Sooooiieeee! Razorbacks.

Have a great day! JW