Chase the Goose: Reclaiming the Adventure of Living a Spirit-Led Life by Mark Batterson comes as another one of Lifeway’s Threads studies for small groups. Batterson’s passion for God and the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading is plainly evident throughout the study. Coming from a background of adventurous life changes and innovative pastoral experience, Batterson attributes all of his life experiences to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The study itself continually refers to the Holy Spirit as the “Wild Goose.” This was a curious title that initially caught my attention when I first purchased my own copy. Apparently, this title reflects Celtic believers of the past who called the Spirit a Wild Goose in response to God’s often unexpected and seemingly adventurous leading through the span of one’s lifetime. While this is a curious title, I am still suspect to the appropriateness of referring to the Spirit in this continual manner. Still though, the principle to such a title I do believe carries some Biblical credence. We as believers would do well to go through a study such as this, refreshing our perspective on the workings of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. Chase the Goose implores many insightful Scripture passages that reveal the mysterious workings of God’s leading and shaping mankind through the guiding of His Spirit.

To give you an example of the Scriptural usage and application in the study, Batterson in one chapter upholds Noah, David, Esther, Elisha, and Moses as examples of God’s sovereign and often unexpected leading. He narrows our attention then to Moses, as God allows Moses to become a remote shepherd for many years. Batterson says, “And I think Moses thought that he would tend sheep until the day he died. I think he literally felt unqualified and disqualified. He had no idea that he would go back to Egypt and confront Pharaoh. He had no idea he would reveal the glory of Israel’s God through 10 miracles. And he had no idea he would be the one who, after 400 years of captivity, would lead the people of Israel out of Egypt and toward the promised land. But…one day. One day God showed up.” (pages 34-35) The awesome truth here is that Moses was basically outcast. But God in the background was further preparing him for His providential future plans. The words, “But one day” are paramount in God’s leading of Moses. Romans 8 likewise gives these beautiful truths in principles, providing us with the glorious truth of God’s sovereign work throughout every aspect of our lives.

As I read through the study, the emphasis on the Spirit as a “wild goose” came across as Biblically accurate for the most part. My only caution was the tendency to almost over-emphasize the wild goose emphasis a few times. It is true that our sensitivity and submission to the Spirit’s guidance will often take us through life in unexpected and (often when viewed looking back) adventurous ways. Our tendency in applying these truths (as presented) must not be to seek the more adventurous path just because of it’s seeming “adventure.” So, does God often lead like this? Yes. Does this mean that we must seek this adventure in all of our choices? No. What we must do is develop a sensitivity and submission to God’s leading regardless of our fears. I bring this to your attention as a note of caution as you consider beginning your study of this book or topic.

At the close of the study, Batterson offers the following prayer of passion and purpose:
“Lord, I pray that You would give each one of us the courage to say yes to You, to say yes to the invitation that You’ve extended, and to say yes to the grace that You offer us. We want to say yes to those promptings of the Wild Goose and to Your plans and purposes. God, I pray against the fear, guilt, routine, responsibility, assumptions, and failures that keep us caged. God uncage us. Unleash us so that we can truly live this adventure You’ve called us to.” (page 115)

All in all, Chase the Goose passionately focuses on a very needy topic for Christendom today. Historically, the role of the Holy Spirit has suffered many extremist misuses, basically leading to either an over-emphasis or an under-emphasis of His roles. It is such an awesome truth to know that we serve a Redeemer God who orchestrates all things for our sanctifying good and His sovereign Jesus-molding guidance throughout life. We must get back to a proper view of the Spirit’s involvement in our day-to-day lives. If you’re looking for an insightful study on the Spirit for either your personal or small group needs, I would encourage you to pick up a copy of Chase the Goose.

Follow the link below for more information on securing your own copy.

http://threadsmedia.com/store/studies/chase-the-goose/

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