Explanation

It was nearly three years ago that my commentary on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, “Displaying the Wisdom of God”, rolled off the presses. I had spent a good bit of the preceding year in preparation for this occasion. You can probably understand the euphoria I felt as I held this book in my hands.          

But my emotional “high” was short-lived as God quickly brought me back down to earth. I do not regret the time and effort I gave to the study of this outstanding epistle. But from the response, or lack of, to this book, I decided that producing commentaries was not my strong point. My first royalty check was for $3.98, the second one a year later was just under ten dollars. I wonder if there will be a third - due in about six weeks. So the decision to close out my commentary writing career was not difficult to make.        

Before making that decision I had given consideration to producing a commentary on Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Had I followed up on this decision the title of the commentary would have been, “Focus, where the Son’s Rays Meet.” If you are familiar with this epistle you will understand the relevance of this title.       

Working on the Ephesians commentary was helpful to me in a number of ways. Not the least of which was the demand for a certain amount of discipline, which has never been one of my strong points. I have recently come to realize I need a renewed injection of discipline. It is tempting as our age experiences the waning of our physical energy, to, as our former pastor, Jack Arnold often warned us against, “sit, soak and sour”.    

To avoid that unhappy circumstance I have been looking for some incentive to “keep me in the book.” My step son-in-law, Neil Damgaard, who has been pastor of Dartmouth Bible Church since his graduation from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1983, suggested a web ministry.      

Some of my close friends (you cannot count on them to be objectives) seem to think I have some ability to produce words that have some meaning. I will give you the opportunity to agree or disagree by opening this blog on the internet. 

As I grow older (90 this year) I find it increasingly difficult to turn off my mind. Thoughts of all kinds keep swirling in my mind before I fall asleep and often in the wee hours. Perhaps I can harness some of those thoughts for whatever they may be worth. My desire in life, as well as on this web site, is to ‘think Gods thoughts after Him.” This, according to noted scientist Johannes Kepler, was the goal of science. And, obviously, also the goal of theology.

And thinking God’s thoughts after him is no walk in the park. Isaiah reminds us that our thoughts cannot measure up to God’s thoughts (Isa 55:8,9. We may, however catch glimpses of God’s thoughts through diligent study and dependence on the assistance of His Spirit (John 16:13). And that will be my task in whatever time God sees fit to give me. I make no claim to special insight and my thoughts will be inspired only by my frail, aging intellect and God’s incomprehensible mercy. And what diligent study my aging mind will bear.