A Tender plant from the dry ground – Timothy Cross

This book is part of the Day One ‘Reflections’ series and is sub-titled ‘A vision from Isaiah of the crucified Jesus’. In twenty short chapters the writer seeks to gather up the leading themes of Isaiah chapter 53. From the Preface we learn that the author writes as one who believes ‘Isaiah 53 directs us to the heart of Biblical revelation as it directs us to the Cross of Christ and the Christ of the Cross’. Later, in a chapter which clearly displays the essential deity of the Lord, he asserts, ‘A right view of Christ is impossible apart from a supernatural operation of the Holy Spirit in the human heart and mind revealing His true identity to us’. Employing an alliterative style, the title to each chapter begins with the letter ‘S’ and covers subjects such as the suffering, sorrow, silence and sovereignty of the Saviour. Considerable use is made of biblical quotations which helpfully direct the reader’s attention to corresponding passages in the word of God, and each of the chapters concludes with ‘Points to reflect on’, covering both doctrinal and practical matters.

This book certainly provides a useful introduction to leading themes in Isaiah chapter 53, and there is much about it that one could commend. However, readers should be aware that it is written from a ‘Reformed’ viewpoint and although not directly developed, it is evident from a number of remarks that the writer believes Christ died only for the elect!

[Our thanks to Richard Catchpole, South Norwood, England, for this review]