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Heart Racing. Mind-altering. Life-changing.

by Ross Flint

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

Those familiar with any part of the Bible will recognize John 3:16 with a mind-altering difference. The words are fresh, new, and sound like the 21st century. That's because they are from The Message, a presentation of the Word of God crafted for a modern age.

Eugene H. Peterson, translator and editor, learned from his years of teaching and pastoring that most people, through familiarity or frustration with the Bible, were missing the whole message of Scripture, 'the Word that God uses to create and save us, heal and bless us, judge and rule over us.'

So, he set out to give us that Word in language we use every day: a reading Bible that would penetrate our hearts and minds, transforming us day by day into the person God desires us to be.

Review

For years I have put off the decision to purchase an audio version of the Bible to play in my car as I travel. Reason? I wasn't keen on having a 'Hollywood' presentation of the Scriptures, as so many of them are. (Apologies to any American readers). I even asked CMS and the Bible Society to find an audio presentation from England - no joy!

Well, at the Clergy Conference this year was a presentation of The Message - 'Will I or won't I purchase it?' Bit the bullet and paid up.

Response?

This was one of those decisions that I will never regret!

As I have listened to the Gospels being read, I have been deeply impacted by hearing large sections read, rather than a chapter here and there. Peterson's translation brought to me a sharp awareness of how Jesus confronted the Scribes and Pharisees.

If you had never read or heard the Gospels before, you could not but conclude that if he doesn't back off, he's going to get it in the neck. My, Jesus does put the boot in!

Again, if you were new to the Scriptures, you would be confronted by the arrogant claims of this Jesus. Peterson's fresh and earthy translation catches you by surprise; you find yourself hearing the wonderful story of Jesus with a new eagerness. Wow! This really is Good News!

What rating would I give it? Five stars! *****

Go on, give yourself a treat for Christmas!

And the voices of the readers? Excellent readers - my fear of a strong American accent was unfounded.

About the author
Eugene H. Peterson is a pastor, scholar, poet and writer - he has written more than twenty books, including The Contemplative Pastor. He founded Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland and pastored that church for twenty-nine years. He and his wife Jan live in Montana and have three children and six grandchildren.
(Notes from the sleeve of the audio presentation of The Message - New Testament).