We have to hold our theology lightly. We will be puzzled by the things that God does, and the ways in which scripture is fulfiled. Even if we beleive, we will be perplexed, troubled, and confused.

This is what the disciples were thinking as they left Jerusalem. They were walking away from their shattered hope that Jesus would be like David (who rescued Israel from their enemies).

They were surprised by the resurrection. And their understanding of scripture and prophecy did not contain the idea of the Messiah dying.

Luke 24

17And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Mission and Ministry — GAMC.

Now, one of the reasons I;m a Calvinist is that I have read a fair amount of the theology Calvin wrote, the anglicans wrote, the Catholics (post split) wrote and the church fathers. Calvin sticks fairly close to the text in front of his nose. He works from evidence.

Now, in doing this he strips the metaphor and poetry away: there is no Theresa of Avila or Hildegard in Calvinspace.

But we have to hold our models of systematic theology lightly. The main rule and guide in our lives is the scriptures — which teach us what is necessary. I’m aware that there is a fair amount of areas where there are debates, and where we do not know how this scripture will be fulfilled

God was incarnate in as the man Jesus Christ. He works through the power of his holy spirit. But he is not tame. Instead, he tames us..