I know it has been a while since my last post due to last minute vacations and resident training but I just wanted to write a little on what I’m reading right now. There are a couple of great books I am reading right now but I wanted to blog a little about “Wild Goose Chase” by Mark Batterson on the eve of the books big release date. Batterson decided to help launch the book that he would have a blog tour. I was extra excited when I actually got picked as part of the blog tour to write some thoughts. In all honesty I am not to the end yet rather about half way through the book.
My thoughts so far are that of very good. One of the biggest thoughts I have about this is the masculine tone of the book. The idea of adventuring into the unknown when we follow the Holy Spirit is something that truly resonates deep in my soul. This adventure is compared to that of a wild goose chase based on the name which Celtic Christians gave to Holy Spirit which literally translates to “Wild Goose.” One of the greatest lines so far for me was early in the book as Batterson proposes the following thought “I wonder if we have clipped the wings of the Wild Goose and settled for something less-much less-than what God originally intended for us.” The concept of reclaiming the adventure which God intended for us is a wake up call for churches as a whole throughout the United States. I am in full agreement that one of the greatest things missing in the church today is the following of the Holy Spirit. Batterson touches on the reality that so many times once we have “clipped the goose’s wings” then we ask the Goose to follow our plans. This backward way of Christian life leads to what Batterson consider a life that would bring the angels to a point of yawning as life goes through the routine. I highly recommend this book to any reader who is interested in being reminded what uncomfortable and exciting life Christians can live in the spot of sensitivity and surrender to the “Wild Goose.” I am also excited to recommend this book in particular to male readers. So many times in the church there is a lack of adventure, risk and challenge which turns off many men inside the church. Any man who finds the Christian life boring and mundane will be awakened to the adventurous life which God promises us when we are fully surrendered to the “Wild Goose.”
Michael
Ps: here is some more information and some places to purchase the book online:
“Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something….
Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.” –from the introduction.
Some places to purchase the book:
