Cees Noordzij — Anthropology
b5 — Putting Hand to the Plow
The Human Being as Twofold: Fleshly and Spiritual
Noordzij describes the human twofold nature along the line of the covenant: the new covenant delivers the human from “the true ‘Egypt’ (the ‘fleshly’) and brings him into a better ‘promised land,’ the kingdom of heaven.”
Concerning the spiritually formed person he writes: “Then we are in the world and yet ‘from above.’ Then we are no longer occupied only with earthly shadow images, but especially with the spiritual realities to which they point.”
The final destination of this transformation he describes as: “We are becoming more and more one spirit with the Lord (1Cor.6:17).”
Interpretation: The twofoldness in the human being (fleshly/spiritual) is for Noordzij not a static anthropological structure but a dynamic process of transition from earthly to spiritual existence.
Freedom of Choice as a Central Human Given
Elisha’s Radical Decision
Noordzij describes how Elisha made a conscious choice at his calling: “He made a radical decision: he would never again work as he had done all his life. He put his hand to the plow, made a fire of the wood, and prepared his oxen as ‘food’ for the people.”
Characteristic is that Elijah left the choice entirely to Elisha: “‘Do what you want,’ said Elijah. ‘I am not forcing you to anything’” (1Kgs.19:20).
Concerning the orientation of the choice: “He looked at what lay before him, not at what he left behind.”
Mary’s Choice at Jesus’ Feet
Noordzij sees in the story of Mary and Martha an illustration of human freedom of choice: “Mary had sat down at His feet, was listening to His words, and received the bread of life in this way. Jesus called that ‘the better part, which would never be taken from her’ (Luke 10:38-42).”
Concerning Mary’s choice: “And do not think that Mary did not know her responsibilities. She had undoubtedly worked in the house beforehand… But then Jesus began to speak with ‘words of spirit and life’… Then she had to choose: either continue serving the guests, or go and sit with Him. She chose the better part (Luke 10:41-42).”
Freedom of Choice as a Distinguishing Mark
Noordzij concludes: “Those who know themselves called to serve the Lord must make choices that many do not understand. No longer ‘plowing’ and going with ‘Elijah’ is often seen as betrayal.”
Interpretation: Freedom of choice is for Noordzij not an indifferent option but existentially decisive — the choice for the spiritual over the fleshly defines the nature of human discipleship.
The Spiritual Person Learns to Be Still and Wait on God
Noordzij states explicitly: “A spiritual person can learn to be still. He learns to wait until God makes His will known. He desires only one thing and asks for it: ‘Lord, may I understand Your will in Your house?’ (Ps.27:4).”
Jesus serves as the anthropological model here: “The Lord Jesus could wait. At twelve He was already fully animated by the things of the Father (Luke 2:49). Yet He remained still, until His thirtieth year.”
On the necessity of rest: “Coming to rest is actually a prerequisite for being an effective blessing to others. That is why God seeks ‘true worshipers, who worship Him in spirit and in truth’ (John 4:23).”
On speaking and acting from stillness: “What He spoke, He had first heard from the Father (John 8:38). What He did, He had first seen the Father do (John 5:19).”
Interpretation: The capacity for stillness and waiting is for Noordzij a learnable quality of the spiritual person — not innate but formed.
Calling to Royal Priesthood: Sanctification and Anointing
Noordzij describes the destiny of the one who is called: “Everyone who knows himself called to royal priesthood must put his hand to the plow and ask the Father to consecrate, sanctify, and anoint him with His Spirit.”
The priestly service begins with the Lord himself: “Then, when he clothes himself in ‘linen’ (= rest), he may stand before Him to serve Him (Deut.10:8).”
As the result of the spiritual life he describes: “Thus we become a living sacrifice, a true priest, a spiritual temple, and much more (1Cor.3:16, Rom.12:1).”
On the broader destiny: “Whoever has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My name will receive many times more and inherit ‘eternal’ life” (Matt.19:29).
Interpretation: Royal priesthood is for Noordzij the anthropological destiny of the one who is called — a person who, through sanctification and anointing, enters God’s house to serve Him before serving others.