Wild Goose Chase

I don’t understand why kids wait in line for days at the movie theater to be the first to see the latest Harry Potter movie, or stand in line for hours to get the newest video game that hits the shelves at midnight. However, I’ll admit – I watched the mailbox with the same anticipation waiting for Mark Batterson’s new book – Wild Goose Chase.

Like Batterson’s first book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, the book is short enough to read through in one sitting. And, for those that choose to take that approach, you won’t be disappointed. However, in my mind, the mark of a good piece of non-fiction is now it applies to me, and here’s where Batterson hits a home run.

The book calls it “responsible irresponsibility”. Doing something that – on the surface - makes no sense. But we make excuses. And, in the context of the Wild Goose, these become our cages.

“I’m unqualified.”

“I might fail.”

“I need to pray about it.”

“I’m waiting on a sign from God.”

Early in the book, Batterson tackles these excuses (and others.) He cites real world examples of people who have taken the next step to pursue God. From the Biblical story of Nehemiah’s rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem to John Muir (the founder of the Sierra Club) pushing higher into the mountains during a raging storm, Batterson talks about intentionally pursuing God.

God never intended for us to go through life carefully calculating every step. In chess, we want to know what effect our next move will have ten moves from now. God doesn’t work that way! He doesn’t want us to stroll casually into heaven, saying “I was careful, God” or “I waited until I knew *exactly* what you wanted before I made that move, God.” Instead, (to use a baseball analogy), I think God wants us sliding into heaven, completely used up, with absolutely nothing more to give, saying, “God, I took risks. I stepped out. Many times, I didn’t know what it was exactly that you wanted, but I relied on my faith. I pursued you, and I relentless told others about you.”


Take risks. Stop thinking and take the next step. Chase the Wild Goose!

In a Pit with a Lion

Have you ever read a book that radically changed the way you looked at things? In casual conversations the last week or so, I’ve asked that question. Several people replied with “The Bible” – almost as though that’s the answer that thought I expected. (To be clear –the Bible has had a tremendous impact on me…but that’s a story for another time.) But, beyond the Bible – are there others? People mentioned business books (”Who Moved my Cheese?” and “How to Win Friends and Influence People”), books on deep subjects (“Zen’s Art of War”) and books on wars (“Schindler’s List” and “Red Badge of Courage”.)

A while back, a friend of mine (thanks, Brent!) loaned me a copy of “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day” by Mark Batterson. Wow – what an incredible book! The story is based on an obscure passage from the Bible (2 Samuel 23:20-21) :

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. And he struck down an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff and snatched the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear.

Can you picture that scene? Think “Indiana Jones” with Harrison Ford (in his early days) playing Benaiah – felt hat, whip and all. Harrison Ford races to the edge of the pit, screeching to a halt, looking over the edge, and then – with little hesitation – leaping over the edge of the pit and facing the lion head on. Later in the movie, he would come face to face with this towering Egyptian, holding a 7 foot spear in his hand. Benaiah’s friends would be with him. Fifteen to twenty Egyptians were sitting around at a table, and the biggest one would stand up to a smaller Benaiah… He’d call him out. Dare him to challenge him. And Harrison Ford would literally snatch the spear away, kick his butt, and dare someone else to say something about it!

Benaiah went to on to great things, in large part because he took risks. He pursued dreams. He chased lions.

It’s an awesome book. A must read. And now, Mark Batterson is coming out with a new book. Stay tuned – I’ll tell you all about it.