Several years ago, I was in a Bible reading rut. I regularly read the New International Version and the New American Standard Version, but I felt like my eyes just glanced over the verses since the words were so familiar to me. I decided to purchase a new Bible to force myself to sit up and pay attention to what God had to say.

I choose The Message by Eugene Peterson which is a Bible paraphrase. Basically, a paraphrase is like a modern retelling of what the Bible says. I wasn’t going to use The Message for in-depth word studies, but it was the perfect choice for a fresh reading.

It took me about two years to read The Message. I read a little bit during my kids’ nap time each day. The wording was refreshing and felt more relevant because of the modern language used.

Although I appreciated many parts of The Message, what I remember the most was the way the prophets made me blush.

Why the Prophets Make Me Blush

When I read through the prophets in a traditional Bible translation, I understand the major themes.  He desires His people to stop worshipping idols and start worshipping Him wholeheartedly. God warns them that judgment is coming if they do not turn and repent.

Normally, I see the prophetic books as emotionally dry since I know the end of the story. God’s people do not repent and the nations of Israel and Judah are conquered–all except a remnant of people who were faithful.

However, in The Message, Eugene Peterson uses intimate, sexual language to convey God’s hurt as He watched His people worship idols. 

You can hear God’s hurt and anger in Ezekiel 16. If you have two minutes, you should read the whole chapter, but here is a highlight.

In Ezekiel 16:23-27, God is confronting His people about their idolatry:

“And then to top off all your evil acts, you built your bold brothels in every town square. Doom! Doom to you, says God, the Master! At every major intersection, you built your bold brothels and exposed your sluttish sex, spreading your legs for everyone who passed by.

And then you went international with your whoring. You fornicated with the Egyptians, seeking them out in their sex orgies. The more promiscuous you became, the angrier I got. Finally, I intervened, reduced your borders and turned you over to the rapacity of your enemies. Even the Philistine women—can you believe it?—were shocked at your sluttish life.”

Embarrassing!

Here is another passage from Isaiah 57:

Deserting me, you’ve gone all out, stripped down
    and made your bed your place of worship.
You’ve climbed into bed with the ‘sacred’ whores
    and loved every minute of it,
    adoring every curve of their naked bodies.

You can hear the pain and anger in God’s voice!

Here is one more example from Hosea 2:

She’s no longer my wife.
    I’m no longer her husband.
Tell her to quit dressing like a whore,
    displaying her breasts for sale.
If she refuses, I’ll rip off her clothes
    and expose her, naked as a newborn.
I’ll turn her skin into dried-out leather,
    her body into a badlands landscape,
    a rack of bones in the desert.

My Intimacy with God

This intimate, sexual language made me blush! It was embarrassing. But it was also a powerful picture of God’s love for me. God’s love is not stoic or unfeeling. It’s deeply intimate. Just like God’s heart was wounded when His people worshipped idols, God is hurt when I love other things more than Him. When I am more concerned with my entertainment than spending time with Him. When I get carried away with my own plans without relying on the strength that He provides. When I ignore His loving presence in search of pleasing my selfish desires.

But, on a positive note, the time I spend with God in prayer, Bible reading and study, and just sitting aware of His presence is so sweet! There is intimacy with God in those moments that permeate my soul and bring me joy.

A Tribute to Eugene Peterson

Eugene Peterson passed away this past week on October 22, 2018, at the age of 85. He led a life of service to the Lord through pastoral ministry and through writing. He wrote over 30 books, but The Message was by far his most popular selling over several million copies. I am thankful for his ministry and for the way he impressed upon me the intimacy with which God loves me.

Did you ever read The Message? Or one of Eugene Peterson’s other books? What do you appreciate about his life, work, or ministry? Comment below!

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