The Furious Longing of God

I am my beloved's and his desire is for me. (song of solomon 7:10) Imagine if this was you story... an alcoholic, Catholic, ex-Catholic, and then Catholic again, former priest, divorcee and a sinner saved by grace. What would you write about? I'd hope no matter how many stories you told and no matter how many books you wrote, you'd always go back to reminding folks about God's Amazing Grace. It's "the larger and more important story. Only God, in His fury, knows the whole of it." Brennan Manning writes in his latest offering: In my forty-four years of ministry, the furious love of God has been the dominant theme of my life. I've varied with titles such as Ragamuffin Gospel, Abba's Child and The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus, but they are all facets of the same gem: that the shattering truth of the transcendent God seeking intimacy with us is not well served by gauzy sentimentality, schmaltz, or a naked appeal to emotion, but rather in the boiling bouillabaisse of shock bordering on disbelief, wonder akin to incredulity, and the affectionate awe tinged by doubt. I've been surprised to read some of the reviews of Manning's latest book, "The Furious Longing of God." Many seem to think its a book just for the downtrodden, those with low self-esteem, those who need a pick-me-up. But I'm certain we all need reminders of God's furious love for each of us - each and every day. We all need to be reminded that the living God is passionate and furious longing to have an intimate loving relationship with each of us. It's no wonder that Jesus and Scripture often refer to the relationship between God and man as similar to the relationship between a groom and his bride. It's a union. A union that "not only transcends every political, social, cultural and religious consideration and not only infuses them with ultimate meaning, but defines the very purpose of life itself." We need to be reminded that not only does God have this furious longing for us, but also "for real sinners, thieves, adulterers and terrorists, for those caught up in squalid choices and failed dreams." When we realize how passionate God is about us -- and that that same passion extends to the far reaches of man-kind -- how can we ever choose to ignore those around us? "The Kingdom of God is not a subdivision for the self-righteous or for those who lay claim to private visions of doubtful authenticity and boast they possess the state secret of their salvation. No, as Eugene Kennedy notes, "it is for a larger, homelier, and less self-conscious people who know they are sinners because they have experienced the yaw and pitch of moral struggle." We can claim to be missional, loving Christians all day long, but until we put together the ideas that it is no longer us, but Christ living in us and that "the living acts of a Christian somehow become the living acts of Christ" alongside with the idea that God has a furious longing for each of us -- we're missing out on so much.

For assorted reasons sometimes we get knocked off track spiritually. This might be due to frustrations in life, poor teaching we've received, long periods in the wilderness, or even success and blessings causing us to lose our focus. Even those of us who have been Christians for a long while, even those of us who have been well-trained in the faith, even those of us who have struggled long in ministry can encounter long seasons where we seem to forget what is most vital. There are a lot of books out there offering new methods and new approaches, often giving long descriptions or lists of what to do in response. And there are a lot of books that offer a glass of milk, handing over all too simplistic teaching that might help in a moment for those who are young in the faith, but doesn't quite satisfy for long. For those who are tired and weary and maybe even a little lost it is important to be reminded of who Christ is, what he has done, and who he calls us to be. Not in complex theology, nor with simplistic slogans. Brennan Manning has written that book. In the Furious Longing of God he writes simply and directly, giving pointed reminders of absolute Scriptural truths, often sharing a story to go with such truths. It is never watered down, but it is also not made more complicated than it should be. We are reminded that God seeks us, and from that seeking our lives become aligned with him, for him, alongside his wonderful works of love. This isn't a book that gives lengthy analysis or would satisfy a deep need for more substantial spiritual training. There are other books for that. This is a book for those who need a quick and potent reminder, to be encouraged or to be refocused on what is true and what matters. I needed just that, and no doubt I will need such a reminder again as I continue the journey with God.

I recently finished reading an advance copy of The Furious Longing of God...and I am deeply touched...and nearly speechless. The Furious Longing of God is not a book on theology, it's not a book on do's or don'ts, it's not a book that puts God in box, it's not a book on how righteous you need to be to be worthy of God's love. By titling this book The Furious Longing of God, Brennan Manning is creating a picture of the energetic passionate love and desire for His creation. A magnificent presence full of grace and mercy in a tumultuous desire to love us, His sons and daughters, regardless of who we are, what we've done, our accomplishments or failures, nothing...ABSOLUTELY NOTHING...can ever separate us from the love of God or cause Him to turn away or cool His furious longing. If there is one thing in this book that is hard to swallow that Brennan writes is to love one another as Christ loves us. To heal one another, the same way Christ heals us, by the power of love...true compassionate Christ-fused love, not just lip service. (It would almost be easier to follow the 10 Commandments than to do this! Especially in light of the perfection of God's love.) To enjoy this book is to read it, contemplate it, put it down for a while, then read it again. It is not a long book. Neither is it complicated to read. (With exception to a few collegiate level words I am not familiar and threw me off. The biggest reason I deduct 1/2 star.) But the spiritual gems reaped from this book are priceless. Brennan, thank you for pouring yourself out in writing this book, and all the others as well, to open our eyes to the furious longing of our loving fatherly God.

This beautifully written little book by the author of The Ragamuffin Gospel is a poetic look into the heart of God. Manning is not interested in the "domesticated, feel-good Jesus of TV evangelism, who is committed to our financial prosperity," but introduces us to "the Christ of John's gospel who has made His home in us" and "invites us to walk with Him daily in humble service even unto death." (p. 69). He looks deeply into prayer, healing, and our union with the God whose furious longing will only be quenched by our being consumed in the fire of His love.

I first became acquainted with Manning's ministry almost 20 years ago when I discovered recordings of two weeks of renewal he preached in 1979 and 1980. I had never heard of him, but after listening to those tape series I would never forget his preaching and message. I've listened to those tapes so many times only a few still work. I read most of his books, and I never tire of hearing his message of God's love for us. Now as a Christian in my last year of seminary, I think Manning has influenced my spirituality as much as any one author. His latest book The Furious Longing of God is another conveyance of the same message he gave in those weeks of renewal sermons 30 years ago. The message emphasizes God's love for us who are continually undeserving and weak. Brennan uses stories and what in any other sense would be hyperboles to describe God's love. He wants to overwhelm us, to wake us up and startle us with the dimensions of God's love. This is a challenging task in our culture, but if anyone is up to it, Manning is. What I consider the most profound message of this book, and perhaps the most profound spiritual message you will ever hear centers around God speaking to people the words of the Song of Songs (2:10-13) "Come then, my beloved, my lovely one, come. For see, winter is past, The rains are over and gone. Flowers are appearing on the earth. The season of glad songs has come, The cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land.... Come then, my beloved, my lovely one, come." And our response taken from verse 7:10: "I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me." A large portion of the book centers on Mannings view of how these verses and thoughts reflect our relationship to God through Jesus Christ. He draws on theologians and moving stories to underscore his emphasis. The writing presents a story about visiting a leprous woman as if Manning just visited her last week; however, the story and the entire section of the chapter are taken from his sermon preached 30 years ago. It is a powerful story and ought to be retold here, but I think some clarification about the date would be appropriate to give a proper perspective. The above use of a prior sermon illustrates that in this book Manning is drawing on what he thinks is the most important witness of his decades in Christian ministry. There is no doubt that Manning's life and ministry and personal seeking after God are all remarkable. There is nothing in this book that should not be taken to heart and considered thoughtfully. Manning draws his teaching about our relationship with God from the relationship between Jesus and the Father revealed in Scripture. He rightfully emphasizes that as the Father loves Jesus he loves each of us in Jesus. Manning goes further and asserts that in Jesus Christ God even likes us. Manning introduces the book by sharing a few statements about himself. I was hoping to hear more about Manning's biography in the book, but after the introduction he i