Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29
Church Family,
For Christmas this past year, both my daughter and brother gave me the same book as gifts. It is unusual to receive an identical book from two people on the same day! With the recommendation of two loved ones, I was eager to get into Gentle and Lowly. It did not disappoint.
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinner and Sufferers (Crossway, 2020) is a meditation upon the feelings of Christ for his people. It is written by Dane Ortlund, a husband, father of five, and senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Illinois.
Beginning from Jesus' statement in Matthew 11:29, "I am gentle and lowly in heart," Ortlund explores what the Bible reveals about Jesus's nature. The book does not focus on what Jesus has done, though certainly addressed, so much as it looks at who Jesus is. Each of the twenty-three chapters reflects on a facet of his nature, such as happiness, sympathy, gentleness, and tenderness. In addition to careful study of Biblical passages, Ortlund draws from an array of Puritans to help illuminate the heart of Christ, including Thomas Goodwin, Richard Sibbes, John Bunyan, John Owen, Charles Spurgeon, and more.
So, what did I think? Teaching, books, and songs over the past several decades have recovered a needed emphasis on God's sovereignty, bigness, and superiority. Gentle and Lowly reminds us that our Savior is not only mighty and transcendent but also immanent and possesses a tender heart for his people. I found the book to be a warm, devotional reflection on the person of Christ. It's not a book to read quickly, but one to savor. I recommend reading only one chapter per sitting and reserving a bit of time for reflection. Gentle and Lowly has a devotional feel that is easy to read yet is rich, theological, and doctrinal.
Does this sound like a book that interests you?
Crossway has sent our church 100 free copies of Gentle and Lowly as a gift. This Sunday, we will have free copies available. I ask that if you take one, that you commit to reading it before the end of the year. You may wish to read it individually. Couples may want to read it together. Families could easily read it as a resource for family worship. You might want to form a reading group with several friends or utilize it as a supplement in a discipling group.
I am glad to put edifying resources in your hands. Take up and read!
For His Glory,
Pastor Thomas
