NTE reflection: Challenging yet rewarding Adventure

My reflection:

First learning point

After making a decision to study New Testament exegesis, I have a sense of excitement yet concerns. I felt excited because it is going to be a new learning curve for me, yet felt concerns as it could be too technical that I may not able to handle and plus the time that I have are limited.  In this journey of learning about NTE, I have to learn to put priority for the course. It is first time for me. I have finished a textbook for few times before the starting of the course. Initiate stages of the class was still manageable, I have learned how to do an exegesis paper outline. However, I felt that how to apply the correct historical and literary contexts in a biblical text appropriately is still a struggle for me. In this course, I have the chance to produce an idiomatic translation of the Greek text, which is quite interesting as it is based on my understanding of the contexts. Finally, I felt that I could put into practice of the learning of Greek 1 & Greek 2. And, of course, I have fun learning how to do diagramming, analysis of the grammar, word analysis. However, putting into practice for all that I have learned, it is a challenge to me. Yet, I have started to appreciate the important of using Greek in ministry. I felt that it is rewarding learning. My guiding principle is always to teach and preach with the right words. I felt that I am like a “spiritual waitress”, I need to take from God, in order for me to feed the people. If I didn’t interpret the text as its right context and principles, I would mislead others. One of the take away learning points for me is always ask myself what truth about God and about his saving work in our lives is described in this passage, if I can answer that question, then I can assure to teach and preach from the text.

Second learning point

The second take away points for me is when I am preparing myself, God’s assignment always on the way to me at the right timing. 2 months ago, I was approached by a couple to give an exhortation in their wedding in May. The timing was just nicely fixed into my schedule which is in within my 2 subjects in the college. Besides, I could still have some times to finish up the research, by applying the learning I receive from this course into good use. I can’t imagine myself doing this kind of work if I didn’t study further.

My third learning point

In this journey of learning, I was also busy with my school work commitments and my church ministry commitments. In particular, for church ministry, I have the burden to pioneer a new ground for life group. This is on top of other regular ministry in church. It will mean time and energy required for this pioneering work. As the time was getting tight, I tends to not to respond fast to SMSes sent by my co-worker. At time, I felt that there is a need to call and clarify. However, I didn’t do it, as I have a preconceive idea that it is better to meet face to face. However, my delayed in replying SMSes has caused some tensions between us. In doing the research and studying of Philemon, I learned the important of forgive and reconciliation. One night, I took the initiative to apologise to her about my slowness in responding and asking for forgiveness. I felt that God is speaking to me to always be accountable to my small group, and to my co-worker. Whenever there is a conflict or tension, if I felt it, I shall always be the one taking initiative to solve it.

In conclusion, I am now on this adventure on discovering the word of God in a different manner. I wish that this challenge and yet rewarding journey ahead will be always fun.