Saturday, July 23, 2011

King's Cross by Timothy Keller

This is an extended meditation on "the premise that Jesus' life, death and resurrection form the central event of cosmic and human history as well as the central organizing principle of our lives."  (x)  The world and how we fit into it are clearly understood by looking at the story of Jesus.
Keller follows through the gospel of Mark in a very readable commentary.  He uses examples from literature and life today to illustrate the truths Mark records.
Keller gives many insights into the life of Jesus and what they mean for us.  For example:
From Mark 9:19-29 Keller reminds us that, like the boy's father, we do not have to have perfect righteousness or total belief.  "You must admit that you are not righteous, and that you need help.  When you can say that, you are approaching God to worship."  (121)
"The gospel is the ultimate story that shows victory coming out of defeat, strength coming out of weakness, life coming out of death, rescue from abandonment."  (230)  Keller encourages us that we can have the same story by accepting what Jesus has done for us.

This book is for anyone desiring insights into Jesus' life and what it means to us today.  Keller does not, in general, delve into the Greek.  This is not for the scholar.  This is for the person desiring to meditate on the events in the life of Jesus.

Dutton, 238 pages.

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