Jesus On Every Page

It's only October, but I'm pretty sure I've already read my book of the year. For the last couple of years I've posted a list of some of my favorite reads over the year. (Here's last year's.) Jesus on Every Page will be in the 2014 edition, but it deserves it's own post.

Every now and then you pick up a book that just clicks, that makes sense, that's like a breath of fresh air. It takes the thoughts you have rolling around your brain from years of church, conversations, blog reading, books, seminary classes, and puts them together so plainly, clearly, and simply that you can't hold back the joy as you read. Jesus on Every Page is that book for me when it comes to seeing our Savior in the pages of the Old Testament.

If you've ever looked around his blog, Head Heart Hand, you know that David Murray sees the world in lists of 10 (and occasionally some other numbers), and that tendency serves him well in this book. He gives the reader 10 "ways of discovering and enjoying Jesus in the Old Testament" (p. 1). 

Why is he so eager to see Jesus in the OT? Well, because the New Testament (specifically Jesus, Peter, Paul, and John) tells us He's there. In Luke 24, we read about the risen Jesus walking the road to Emmaus with 2 of his followers who don't recognize him. What did Jesus do for those discouraged men? "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27 ESV) Jesus used Moses and the Prophets to teach those men about himself! Their response? "They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'" (Luke 24:32 ESV). 

Professor Murray takes us on his own Road to Emmaus as over the course of his life God has opened his eyes to see Christ in creation, the prophets, the Psalms, the Proverbs, and much more. As we walk with him down that road he aims to give us "spiritual heartburn" like those 2 followers whose hearts burned within them. It works, but you won't need any Tums or Rolaids for this. You will, however, walk away ready to worship. 

If you've never been able to read the OT with much benefit before; if you know that Christ is in the OT, but aren't sure how to find him there; if you want your heart warmed; read this book. It is not a perfect book, but it is a beautiful book that will help you better understand the truth of God's Word and see Jesus on every page.