The Shack

Chapter 7

• Mack still can’t believe this is real. (p. 105)
• Mack saw Papa, Jesus, and Sarayu laughing over spilled Japanese sauce. (p. 105)
• Mack sees God in relationship. (p. 106)

“…Jesus went straight to Papa and, kneeling at her feet, began to wipe off the front of her clothes. He worked down to her feet and gently lifted one foot at a time, which he directed into the basin where he cleaned and massaged it...So, this was God in relationship?”

• Mack learns that Papa limits himself when he talks about his children with Him. (p.106)

“We have limited ourselves out of respect for you. We are not bringing to mind, as it were, our knowledge of your children. As we are listening to you, it is as if this is the first time we have known about them, and we take great delight in seeing them through your eyes.”

• Do you believe God limits himself with us?

• Papa, Jesus, and Sarayu have devotions. (p. 107)

…Jesus looked deep into his father’s eyes and said…”Papa, I loved watching you today, as you made yourself fully available to take Mack’s pain into yourself, and then give him space to choose his own timing. You honored him and you honored me. To listen to you whisper love and calm into his heart was truly incredible. What a joy to watch! I love being your son.”

• Has God ever whispered “calm” into your life? What was it like?

• Jesus asks Mack to go out on the dock with him to look at the stars. (p. 108)
• Mack tells Jesus that he seems different than Papa and Sarayu. (p.110)

“How do you mean different”…”Well”, Mack paused as he thought about it. “More real, or tangible. I don’t know!”

• Have you always thought Jesus was more “real” than God or the Holy Spirit?

• Mack feels led to tell Jesus that he thought he would be better looking. (p.111-112)

“I guess I expected you to be more…humanly striking...the ideal man, you know, athletic and overwhelmingly good looking. Jesus says…”Once you really get to know me, it won’t matter to you’’

• What steps are you currently taking to know Jesus? What can the Heroes do to help?

• Jesus tells Mack that he lives within him. (p.112)

“My purpose from the beginning was to live in you and you in me…How can that happen? It’s the power of Sarayu, my Spirit, the Spirit of God who restores the union that was lost so long ago.”

• Do you feel that active union with the Holy Spirit?

• Mack can’t get over how easily he can talk with Jesus. (p113)

“You know”, Mack responded, suddenly struck anew by the absurdity of his situation; where he was, the person next to him. “Sometimes you sound so, I mean, here I am lying next to God Almighty and, you really sound, so…” “Human?”

• When you talked to God, do you talk to him like a friend…or do you use “special” talk?

• Mack once again feels The Great Sadness come over him. (p.114)

“Jesus?” Mack whispered as his voice choked, “I feel so lost.” A hand reached out and squeezed his, and didn’t let go. “I know, Mack. But it’s not true. I am with you and I’m not lost. I’m sorry it feels that way, but hear me clearly. You are not lost.”

• Do you feel lost?