I was excited to get to review Max Lucado’s new book Grace because he is a person that I have
always admired from a writing standpoint. I have most of his books, literally
dozens of them, and I credit him as one of the influences in my life toward Christian
writing.
The topic of his book Grace
is obvious; it’s right there in the title. But here is a more specific
glimpse of the topic from the author himself: “Here’s my hunch: we’ve settled
for wimpy grace. It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a
church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, ‘Do you
believe in grace?’ who could say no? This book asks a deeper question: Have you
been changed by grace?”
Max uses the biblical narratives of Ruth and Naomi, the woman
caught in adultery, Barabbas, David and Bathsheba, the foot washing in the
Upper Room, and others to illustrate grace in the Bible.
In addition to biblical characters, Lucado uses his gift as
a storyteller in his usual way, bringing stories to life through the written
word and driving home his point. His humor comes through well in his writing,
especially in the conclusion.
There is a certain rhythm to his writing, a beat to his book
(see what I did there?) that let’s his fans know “this is Max Lucado.” It’s
when he makes the same point from different perspectives, illustrating his idea
with alliterated anecdotes in symmetrical symbolism.
Here are some examples of his creative descriptions:
“If grace were a wheat
field [God’s] bequeathed you the state of Kansas (p.59).”
“My grace reservoir is
running dry (p.99).”
“Grace. Let it, let
him, so seep into the crusty cracks of your life that everything softens. Then
let it, let him, bubble to the surface, like a spring in the Sahara, in words
of kindness and deeds of generosity (p.151).”
I had two minor concerns with this book. First, the author
repeatedly used The Message as a
Bible translation, which I personally do not like (and have written about).
Second, in chapter 7 he talks about drinking and states that he believes in
moderation drinking, which is also something that I personally disagree with.
I still enjoyed this book and think that it is a good read
for Christian edification and education in the gospel.
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