The Holy Wild.

Book Review

Buchanan, Mark. The Holy Wild. Trusting in the character of God. 2003 Multnomah Pub.

Comment. Henry
Mark is becoming quite a favorite writer for me. His writing style is stimulating and his insights are expressed in very understandable language. This book helps us get a handle on a concept that is basic to understanding who God is- He is not safe but he is good. I agree with Philip Yancey when he says, “Mark Buchanan’s writing always leaves me moved, stimulated, and convicted”.

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” A.W.Tozer. When it comes to knowing God, theology is good but it is not enough. We must not only talk about God, we must talk to God. This book attempts to answer the question, “What does it mean to know God so well that we trust God no matter what?” (31).

Trusting God and trust in God are more a result of faith than understanding. I believe in order to understand. “You trust Him even when He seems untrustworthy.” (43). “In both creation and relationships, faithfulness is the most amazing yet least captivating trait.” (56). How do we balance our rest in God’s faithfulness without taking it for granted? It is genuine faith that refuses to reduce God to experiences of our tragedies.

We do well to have a correct understanding of God’s wrath. “God’s wrath, in its worst and fullest form, is God turning us over” (103) to our own sinfulness. A day is coming when his wrath will be revealed in judgment. Thanklessness ignites God’s wrath.

The author gives a very interesting explanation of the nature of God’s mercy and our continuing need for that mercy. The truth of a victorious slain Lamb is very prevalent in the Scriptures but the rational is profound. A helpless innocent lamb being victorious over spiritual powers is a very irrational concept and a slain lamb being victorious is incomprehensible.

Our greatest need in times of greatest need is to get a fresh glimpse of God and worship, e.g. Isaiah’s experience when king Uzziah died. “Before we can rest in the holiness of God, first we must be undone by it.” (146).

The author gives a delightful explanation of the creativity of God and challenges us as God’s children regarding our creativity.

“Wisdom is- the art of living well, living so that you and all around you benefit.” (191). A massive intellect and/or knowledge does not equate to wisdom. Wisdom and folly often originate from the same source (person). Christians are not exempt. The Greeks have three words for wisdom. They have to do with “philosophy, insight applied, and understanding”. (197). God displays His wisdom through creation, the church, and through the cross.

Busyness is a killer. The process of its destruction is difficult and costly but in the end great value is gained. “Sabbath liberates us from the need to be finished.” Wayne Muller. It gives us the opportunity to remember, celebrate, and worship. The meaningful ingredients of life, compassion, courage, etc. will not develop without rest. Before Adam received Eve he had to rest.

It is important for us to get some kind of handle on the truth that the whole earth is filled with God’s glory and we are part of that glory. “We carry around God’s splendor. His name, His nature, His mercy, His justice.” (238). God’s glory is revealed through ordinary people doing extraordinary acts of love and kindness in response to His great love.