Chapter 3 “The History of the Future” – Hill goes through informatively, and yet shedding a very interesting light on topics that don’t prove “entertaining” in and of themselves.  He first discusses ancient views on “future”, and along with that “Prophets”, in pre-Hebrew, Hebrew, and Greek contexts until present date.  Views that say that God is in control all the way to views that believe God has given small areas of freedom and control to humans.  At one point, he gives a comparison to those of Calvin’s persuasion and those of Wesley, “You might have heard the story about the Calvinist who, after falling down the stairs, said, I’m glad I got that over with!”

I’m inclined to believe with the Love God has for us, comes naturally the freedom to make choices, and to experience the results of those choices.  It’s easy for me to believe this.  But I often wonder where I’d be and what I would believe if I hadn’t been raised/formed spiritually by a Wesleyan background.  Or it I hadn’t even been raised in a Midwestern American Euro-Christian background.  What would my beliefs be?  Would I question those beliefs?  Would Christianity, and God’s love pursue me in an undeniable way, and bring me to faith in Christ?  I would like to think so.  I’m thankful for the life that’s brought me, by God’s grace, to where I am today. 

Hill brings up many interesting illustrations and examples of how prophesying has been done through the ages, and through different cultural contexts.  It’s interesting to hear how things have changed, and not changed much, since then.  Hill points out that it’s important to realize that the practice of prophecy in Israel developed over several centuries.  “Ideas and images borrowed from surrounding cultures were reshaped into increasingly distinctive forms.”

Hill then talks about the word “covenant”, pointing out that they are always future-oriented.  He breaks down the original covenant between God and man, using the stories of Abraham, Moses, David, Amos/Isaiah, Jeremiah/Ezekiel, and later prophets to illustrate the different changes/phases that covenant had gone through towards the future.   He then notes the New Covenant spoken of toward the end of the Old Testament, and associates it with Mark 1:15 (Mark being the most likely 1st of the synoptic gospels written).

Altogether a very informative chapter, setting the backdrop a bit more for what I’m still looking forward to be a great book.  I’m surprised and excited more and more that I can actually stay awake while reading this book.  And not simply stay awake, but remain interested in the things being discussed.  God is definitely working on me, and preparing/transforming me for the life that lies ahead of me.  I can’t wait to see all that is going to come.  Today is only the beginning.