A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, 20th Anniversary Edition
By: Eugene H. Peterson

I become a big fan of Eugene Peterson after reading Running with Horses. I followed up on that one with A Long Obedience. It wows me time and again. There are so many chapters in this book worth talking about. Apart from some difficult quotes by some famous old folks, i think the rest of the book is unbeatable. A long obedience tracks the Song Of Ascents of Psalms( Psalm 120 to 134). These are the pilgrims' songs (Plenty of description of heights and depths- a contrast between the journey to Jerusalem for the festivals and the emotional well being of a devotee).

I felt the chapter on psalm 121 is worth all the money spent. It is inductive, instructive , yet reflective. Eugene Peterson managed to bring the audience as close as what the original audience felt, then apply the psalm to our modern life. There are several more chapters with one-paragraphs that are simply breath-taking. (eg. ps 144 of this special edition copy that talks about hope; cf ps 130)

I read many chapters on train and in hospital, so i had memories of reading this book. I re-read many parts as and when i felt prompted to. Highly recommend to a slightly more matured audience.

A side question :Am i against the Message? No! (in fact i loved it), but i felt Peterson did right to use RSV on some parts in the book. I am aware of people who are against him to paraphrase the bible, but kudos to him for trying to recapture the shock and intensity of first century listeners. I am not for using the message as the bible (i would still encourage people to read either the NIV or ESV); but to use The Message for reflection studies? - it is a bliss!!! - that is all i can put it. Bono of U2 uses the Message for his song writing platform; in fact he read the message to his dying father while at his death bed.