The student needs to write a summary of Youngblood’s approach to the Old Testament. They should also discuss how the story develops through each of the topics Youngblood covers and identify the connections between these topics.
The book “The Heart of the Old Testament” by Ronald Youngblood presents a compelling argument for the relevance of the Old Testament. Youngblood identifies nine key themes that are fundamental to the Old Testament and demonstrate its similarity to and importance in relation to the New Testament. These themes include monotheism, sovereignty, election, covenant, theocracy, law, sacrifice, faith, and redemption.
In his book, Youngblood delves into the theme of Monotheism, which highlights the belief in a solitary deity. The author contends that genuine Christians cannot reject God’s existence, both in theory and practice. Despite efforts made by individuals to challenge the notion of God, they still maintain their faith in a higher power. Youngblood examines how Israel acknowledged God while struggling with temptations to mimic neighboring nations that worshiped multiple gods and fashioned idols. Nevertheless, the author confirms that God is everlasting and the originator of everything, surpassing all other beings. He cannot be equated with alternative ideologies such as materialism, pantheism, or polytheism. In the Old Testament, God is depicted as the ultimate authority above all else.
Youngblood explores the concept of sovereignty in relation to God’s ultimate authority over all aspects of life. He emphasizes that God reigns and acts according to His own will, a significant theme found throughout the Old Testament. The ancient scripture highlights how nations would worship idols made of silver and gold, which hold no value compared to God’s power. Youngblood reminds us that God’s sovereignty allows Him to manipulate His creations to fulfill His desires. As followers of Christ, it is crucial for us to have unwavering faith in God and not rely solely on our own abilities. If something aligns with God’s plan, it will occur regardless of our thoughts or actions. Youngblood asserts that God’s children must not depend on their own strength or resources for the fulfillment of His promises.
The God of the Old Testament demonstrates a characteristic of election. In various instances throughout the Old Testament, we witness God making choices regarding whether to bestow blessings or curses upon individuals. Youngblood offers insight into this concept through the example of Jacob and Esau. Although both were offspring of the same father, God elects to bless Jacob, who happened to be younger than Esau. The notion of election eliminates human pride and arrogance, placing all individuals on an equal footing as they await God’s will in different ways. Additionally, Youngblood emphasizes the importance of covenants. Since time immemorial, God has entered into covenants with people. Through these covenants, God demonstrates his unwavering commitment to keeping promises and being just and trustworthy towards those who honor him.
