In 1980, Eugene Peterson released A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. A second edition came at the turn of the century, and this commemorative edition shows its staying power within Christian literature. Although four decades have passed, the tone remains very current. The subtitle captures its value for ministry leaders in general, and specifically for those serving the next generation: “Discipleship in an Instant Society.” The biblical stance of standing with the Lord and walking in His ways provides a rich ground for making disciples of Jesus.

Peterson turns to the Songs of Ascents in the Psalms to provide the discipleship training. As the well-known translator for The Message version of the Bible, the author utilizes his own wording of Psalms 120 through 134 for examining the passages. His insights on common Christian concepts of repentance, providence, and perseverance are given good treatment in their own chapters. Each one could be useful to studying those topics.

Themes that were particularly strengthening for my soul were on worship and on joy. Worship starts from the solid nature of our Triune God, which leads to the objective nature of our faith. When our life of faith sees the Lord clearly, then our lives are lived in worship. The Christian’s focus also delivers joy by the Lord’s ability to “bring rains to our drought-stricken lives” (101). Christians are called to encounter Christ with the same prayer. We join the psalmist in asking for the Lord to bring life and peace to us once again, and in the process, we invite fellow believers growing in God’s grace to step forward rejoicing in Him.

The book’s layout is easy enough to follow, but it would not necessarily be immediately translated to teaching or small groups without a leader’s preparation. Peterson’s insights are sometimes subtle and at other times direct. I could see congregational leaders reading it, studying a particular Psalm that is in view, and using the author’s key comments in a Bible study or training setting to illuminate the content.

Dr. Jason Holt
AFLC Youth Ministries Director 
Plymouth, Minnesota