This morning, as I sipped coffee at Bo's, I spent quite a bit of time in the book of Ecclesiastes. I ended up doing a deep dive into Eccl. 7:8. Here's the verse in Hebrew:
And here's how the New Living Translation renders it:
Finishing is better than starting.
Patience is better than pride.
If you would, think back with me for a moment to the spring of 1863. That January, dashing Joseph Hooker had replaced Ambrose Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac.
As a result, the Union army underwent several significant changes following Hooker's ascent to power. These included a new furlough system, improved food and living conditions, a return to a regular corps organization, a reorganization of the cavalry under George Stoneman, and unique badges for each of the army's corps.
As spring approached, Hooker devised his plans. Unlike Burnside, he would not make a frontal attack on Lee at Fredericksburg. Instead, he would attempt to move around Lee. Part of the army would distract Lee by crossing the Rappahannock below Fredericksburg. But the real attack would take place to the north. Both wings would eventually converge at a small crossroads known as Chancellorsville, 10 miles west of Fredericksburg.
What happened next is well known to every Civil War buff. Jackson's flank attack left the Union army stunned and paralyzed.
Instead of an active assault on Lee, Hooker hunkered down behind his lines at Chancellorsville. His commanders wanted to attack, but Hooker simply announced he was going to retreat. Fatigued and humiliated, the Federals withdrew back to their original lines. Eventually Lincoln replaced Hooker with George Meade, who would soon become the hero of Gettysburg. All agreed that had Hooker pressed the offensive, he might have defeated Lee's badly outnumbered army once and for all. Instead, the attacks that would have gained the day were never made.
So much for "Finishing is better than starting."
As for "Patience is better than pride," need I remind you of what Hooker said before the Battle of Chancellorsville? "I have the finest army the sun ever shone on. I can march this army to New Orleans. My plans are perfect, and when I start to carry them out, may God have mercy on General Lee, for I will have none." This, by the man whose failed generalship will forever be remembered by historians.
I run across an alarming number of Greek students who are impatient with their studies. They want to get on with the task. "Who's got time for participles and infinitives?" They need to pause and read Eccl. 7:8. Preparation for Christian work is critical. Spiritual, intellectual, and practical readiness is required to serve effectively in a ministry context. Not least, it cultivates virtues such as patience, perseverance, and humility.
Recently I read about a brand new conservative seminary that was founded out west. It will offer a 72-hour M.Div. degree. The school claims to be designed to train pastors who will preach the Bible in their churches. I see that the curriculum includes standard courses in theology, church history, Old and New Testament survey, apologetics, pastoral counseling, church administration, and expository preaching. Yet according to its online catalog, it offers not a single course in Hebrew or Greek. Not one. Despite claiming to employ "a consistent grammatico-historical interpretation of the Bible." This is shocking. The biblical languages are vital for proper interpretation. This knowledge ultimately benefits both the preacher and the congregation. Of course, to achieve it you have to pay a hefty price. It comes only to those who are willing to bear hardships and inconveniences in the meantime.
Student friend, learn a lesson from Joseph Hooker -- and from the myriad of churches today that are awash in impoverished preaching and doctrinal confusion.
Finishing is better than starting.
Patience is better than pride.