Sickness, Suffering and Scripture

When I began to read this book I was disappointed. Somehow it wasn't what I expected from a book with this title. More than half the book is long Scripture quotations which I always question the value of (especially when they are in a version you are not familiar with) - are readers so lazy that they won't get a Bible out?

Half an hour later I had to sheepishly admit, that yes I am probably one of those readers and that by the time I was 2 chapters into this book I realised the benefit of having the Bible passages quoted in full. Leyshon's comments after each quotation are nothing more than an outline of thoughts and considerations on the Bible passage and then pointers for further thought. But they are well thought out outlines, not difficult to assimilate and certainly worthy of careful reflection. I could imagine the book being well used in small Bible study groups - it includes all the material you need. In fact, having now read the blurb on the back of the book - sometimes useful to read before judging the book ;-) , I realise that it is indeed intended for small Bible study groups! So it does do what it says on the (back) cover.

Sickness, Suffering & Scripture by David Leyshon, £5

Lorna

Easter

Blogging activity has been deafeningly silent for the last week because of family illness en bloc. Hence it is almost too late now to nominate a book for Easter reading. But I did have a dip for the first time into Krummacher's devotional meditations collected under the title of 'The Suffering Saviour' and found out why they are held in high repute. He is conscious of the sacredness of his subject, and this is reflected in the structure of the book. It follows the design of the Old Testament tabernacle, and so the increasing intensity of the last days of Christ is followed under the headings of the 'Outer Court', the 'Holy Place', and the 'Most Holy Place'. He is thorough but heartwarming, sensitive but not sentimental, short (there are 53 meditations) but not shallow. Krummacher was a leader in the German reformed churches in the mid-1800s, said to be the greatest preacher in Europe in his time. So although his style is a bit dated it is striking and energetic. I intend looking at this long after Easter has gone.

Banner of Truth published this hardback (see pic) in 2004, but it is also still available from us in an old paperback Baker edition. At £2.50 it is so outrageously cheap that I shouldn't mention it.

Jeremy

PS. There are a range of other titles by Krummacher - see our catalogue - he is perhaps best known for 'Elijah the Tishbite'.