ORDINARY PILGRIMS

"Let a Righteous Man Do What?" What should we do when someone rebukes us? Maybe you think of some proverbs that indicate the wisdom of receiving correction and think, "I would hear that person out." Great. But, let me ask another question: What should we do when someone rebukes us rudely? Or, at least, what if we perceive the tone to be rude? It seems to me that most people, especially within [what passes for] evangelicalism would simply dismiss the rebuke on account of the perceived bad tone. But, consider what David says, Let a righteous man strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it (Psalm 141:5). In Psalm 141, David is desiring to avoid evil and he recognizes that a rebuke from a righteous man is incalculably valuable! And notice, he doesn't just have in mind "soft" words: "Let a righteous man strike me. " He describes such a stern rebuke as a kindness. The mindset seems to b...

I am slowly working through a book of John Calvin's letters. They are fascinating for many reasons. For starters, they read very differently than his commentaries or more theological works (which makes sense), and as a result, they reveal a different side of him. Sometimes they give insight into his personal life and struggles (like his grief over the death of his wife), and they constantly reveal his pastoral heart. It is also fascinating that there are letters to important dignitaries and kings, while others are written to common folk whom we know little about. Take, for example, the following letter to a young man whom Calvin had never met, though they had mutual friends. William Rabot was a new believer who had evidently written to Calvin. And Calvin wrote back, exhorting him with good advice for all of us: to remain diligent in studying the Word. He writes,  "Although we have been unknown to each other by sight, yet since you recognize the Master Christ in my...