The Gift of Thorns
Zondervan Reflective, 2024
By A.J. Swoboda
WHO: A.J. Swoboda, assistant professor of Bible, theology and world Christianity at Bushnell University. He also leads a Doctor of Ministry program around the Holy Spirit and leadership at Fuller Seminary.
HE SAYS: “Whether remaining hidden or becoming exposed, we can learn about ourselves by attending to what we desire and long for.”
THE BIG IDEA: A world in which we don’t get all that we want is the greatest gift ever.
THE PROGRESSION: Through 11 chapters, the author examines both sides of the question of “desire”—from the side that assumes all desires are bad to the side that says we must follow our hearts. The thematic repetition of “thorns” in Scripture can be a guide as to what Christ followers of are to do with their desires.
“The goal isn’t escaping earth to go to heaven. The goal is heaven coming here.”
