Joseph: his arms were made strong
David C. Searle
Banner of Truth, 266 pages, £10.95
ISBN: 978-1-84871-165-5
Star rating : 4
Banner of Truth are to be commended for publishing this new work on the life and times of the patriarch Joseph.
Joseph: his arms were made strong comprises 18 chapters of insightful exposition and practical application of Genesis 37 – 50. The foreword from Derek Prime is helpful and whets the appetite for what follows.
The author, David Searle, has pastored three Presbyterian churches in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and was director of Rutherford House, a theological research and study centre in Edinburgh.
This book is the fruit of his preaching and teaching on the life of Joseph to five different congregations, during his fruitful pastoral ministry. He writes from a wonderfully Christ-centred perspective that can only edify and encourage the Christian reader.
We are here, not only reminded of Joseph’s pivotal place in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation, but similarly taught to see in Joseph’s person and story a type of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This is a book that will encourage Christians to make more of the Old Testament Scriptures, for here we are unequivocally reminded that the New was in the Old concealed and the Old is in the New revealed.
There is a truly biblical (and hence Reformed) balance between the sovereignty of God and human responsibility. The book will increase biblical and theological knowledge and stimulate spiritual growth and godliness.
This is readable, reliable and perceptive. It will not only prove an invaluable aid to preachers and teachers, but will be a blessing to all Christians. It ought to be read by mature Christians and those young in the faith.
Wayne Pearce
Skye
