Risen

Z’s Book Review of “Risen” by Karen Hunt, with a short devotional.

Happy Sunday!

As you all know, I take the day off on Sundays to spend time with my family and focus on worshiping God. I usually pre-schedule my posts for Sundays. This Sunday I am giving a book review on “Risen”. It is a book written by Angela Hunt. It is the story of the crucifixion of Jesus through the perspective of a Roman soldier. Join me as I share how impactful this book was on me, and share a short devotional about what it meant to my heart!

Jesus-The Example

I always think about how God sent his only Son for a sinful world. I don’t know about you, but I sure wouldn’t give up my child for anyone, let alone a bad guy!

There is just something about that scenario that goes against every fiber of my being. I don’t know why. Maybe other people have more mercy inside of them, but I find it difficult to be able to fathom being able to let my child die for some other persons sin.

That is our God though! His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” -1Tim. 1:15-17

 

I love how we can look at Jesus, and see how we are to act, how we are to think, how we are to pray, etc. He is our example. Of How to be. Of everything.

He hung out with the outcast, he healed the sick, he cared for and loved those that were deemed “unloveable”. He spent time with prostitutes, tax-collectors, and people who no one else would even go near. He dined with the “less desirable”. He loved those who needed love. He gave of his time and energy. He loved with a fierce love.

Ultimately, He would freely give up his life. He would die an agonizing death for me and for you. He died, and then in three days, He rose again! He was risen! He conquered death!

Man o man! I know that I will never live up to His standard. Not even close! But I can sure learn from His life and strive to live like Him! To try to love others the way He did.

I love how you see all those things about Jesus in the book Risen.

The Book

The thing I really loved about this book was, the story of Jesus was put into a completely different perspective! It wasn’t just from the “Sunday school bible story” version. It got into the “nitty-gritty” of all the “behind the scenes”.

What might have taken place inside of Jesus’ “inner circle”, but also as seen from an outsider. A guy that was not a “follower of Yeshua”. A guy who had to discover the great and amazing grace of God.

Imagine being part of the crew instructed to kill Jesus! Being the one to make sure that He was dead!

Clavius (the main character), who was ordered to crucify Jesus, goes on a journey, both physically and spiritually to search for Truth. What he discovers is love. Love, in a way he never thought he could.  He discovers Jesus.

Without giving the book away, I just have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It really did give me new insights into the death and resurrection on Jesus Christ.

I would encourage you to read it!

I pray that today, as you spend time with your family, fellowship at your local church and focus on the Lord, that you would just remember that Jesus is our example. His unconditional and incredible love gives us such a clear picture of how we are to be. How we are to act.

I pray that your day is blessed!

-Z