Emmaus Burning

There are defined moments when an “aha” experience results in spiritual light bulbs turning on. They bring a strange burning joy to the heart and mind, especially when they involve the study of Scripture. 

When heckled by Catholic high school classmates, I examined and argued the biblical differences between consubstantiation and transubstantiation. I imagined carrying forth the Protestant torch of truth between fourth and fifth periods in the cafeteria. 

When confronted by my Jewish university friends about the Messiah, I studied the Hebrew prophecies fulfilled by the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus in the Christian New Testament. I imagined myself at Tyrannus University (Acts 19:10), trained by Paul to dialogue with our synagogical brethren. 

When challenged by my molecular neuro-oncology research colleagues, I recall getting into biblical apologetics for Creation, design, meaning, teleology, and purpose. I merely explained what Moses reported: the literal, six-day Creation and the creative and re-creative power of God. 

When ministering to those on public universities who had never heard of Adventism, I talked about the heavenly sanctuary, the seventh-day Sabbath, and the justifying and sanctifying power of Christ’s righteousness. I visualized myself during the Second Great Awakening, fulfilling the prophecy of the three angels’ messages on campus quads and dorms. 

In addition to these individual memories, however, there are also “aha” experiences when seen back over the course of time. 

Brighter than light bulbs, the Light of the world is the One personally teaching us throughout the years. Brighter than Moses, Paul, the reformers, and the pioneers, Jesus explained each verse concerning Himself and brought this burning joy to the heart from the study of Scripture. It is the hope and prayer of this new executive editor to provide more Emmaus burning experiences through the printed page, both in individual issues and on the road ahead. 

We start with this edition of Adventist World on the topic of leadership. Lowell Cooper addresses our ideas of leadership, especially on power and change in volunteer organizations. Ted Wilson points to influence and example as the primary tools of power for a biblical leader. Randy Siebold and Erich Baumgartner direct our attention to Jesus’ five dynamic areas where practical leadership can be developed. 

May this issue not only inspire you to deeper and wider leadership, but also move us as a community to pray for our leaders, present and future alike. As this is my first introduction to the magazine, I request your prayers for this new leader to reproduce the Bible study burning experiences provided by our risen leader, Jesus.