The Finish Line

Finally! I have crossed the finished line! I took the three-hour final for which we were given a passage and expected to break down each word, translate into English and explain grammatically what was happening. Once again I am beating myself up, but I won't go there. Instead, I want to reflect briefly on the the real results.

1. I look at Scripture so much differently! Remember, the course is called BEGINNING Greek; there is no assumption of expertise in understanding it on a deeper level, but still there is a budding ability to see a tad bit deeper into a passage. It will certainly help me to use more technical Bible commentaries.

2. At the same time, I am more aware of how much the translator's opinion influences the final translation! FAR more than I knew! In fact, I would highly recommend reading The Blue Parakeet by Scott McKnight for appreciating your own reading of Scripture.

3. I am more appreciative of understanding the original context of a passage AND cautiously using imagination to appreciate the impact of a teaching on the original audience. Logical exegesis trumps critical imagination; yet the latter plays a role in unpacking a text.

4. There is the exquisite joy of accomplishing a challenge! :) Even after being away from academic rigors for so many years, it was doable.

5. I lost weight! At the most, 8 pounds. No, I am NOT recommending this as a weight-loss regimen.

6. There are nine people I had never met before who are now "family".

The whole journey was one of sweet fellowship with my Lord. I think I mentioned at one point that I imagined his hand on my shoulder at those moments when I was faltering. Communing with him throughout this saga has been one of its great blessings. Reading his very own words in Greek (No I am NOT learning any other Biblical languages!!) and imagining being in the audience THEN has brought new life to "hearing" them NOW. That is the greatest take away of all!

Thank you so much for walking with me on this journey. I deeply appreciated those of you who took so much time to reflect with me and to encourage me. Though I could not take time to respond directly, please know that you were ministering to me!

Blessings on you.

PS For those wanting to know my final grade, I just may post it when I get it. Then again... :)