10 of those

To Seek And To Save

This is a refreshing book. Designed as a Lent devotional, every day describes a different encounter from Luke’s Gospel’s account of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. As you progress through the book, you realise afresh just how overwhelming concerned with people Jesus was, from his disciples to strangers who accosted him along the way, and are reminded how that concern extends to his people here and now, today. The purpose of this book isn’t to provide new or groundbreaking insights into Luke’s Gospel, although the biblical scholarship is characteristically strong. No, the unique selling point of this book is the way the author’s usual incisive style is combined with winsome self–reflection to offer truly compelling applications of this familiar gospel narrative. Many days I was genuinely moved by truths about Jesus that I already knew, but which I had effectively forgotten. Sometimes the simplest truths really are the ones we need to hear. Moreover, the book has been thoughtfully presented to make it as easy to use as possible. Each day’s exposition ends with a simple bullet point for reflection, and space for a written response, should you wish to use it. As for me, my favourite part had to be the Sundays (coming as I do from a tradition where Lenten Sundays were often a chance to break routine and seek refreshment). Here, Ferguson marks the Sundays with extended quotations from hymns and psalms. They are selected with great care, and always brought joy to my heart. A book to enjoy for Lent most easily, but worth using any time you want to spend a season walking especially closely with Jesus.

Miriam Montgomery