The Map of Redemption

"The Basic Bible Atlas" by John A. Beck provides beautiful illustrations of the geographical area in which the stories of the Bible take place. The maps are clearly labeled and provide the budding Biblical cartographer with points of reference when exploring the Biblical narrative.
The richness of this resource does not come from the maps and illustrations though. The value of this reference work is found in the text surrounding the maps and illustrations. This text aptly assists the Biblical scholar in understanding the importance of the land in regards to the story of redemption. Beck clearly and rightly emphasizes that God's plan for salvation is tied to a people and a land. The value of The Promised Land and other geographical locations in God's design for redemption finds clear emphasis throughout the text.
The only place this resource falls short is in the Biblical stories that are not tied into this narrative such as Esther and Job. Having a full picture of God's revelation through geography would have enhanced this resource.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

God Brings Victory through Trial

"God's Hostage" is a story that is hard to judge as it is someone's story, very personal, very heartfelt, very tortured, very faith-filled, and personally lived out. As a story it touches the heart and brings one great comfort. The story also brings great sadness and anger because of the way we as human beings treat one another and betray one another because of the politics of a situation. Too often we justify our actions because it is better for us and not better for another. This comes through fully in the mess of Andrew Brunson's story.
The moment's when Brunson honestly expresses his struggles in faith in the midst of his imprisonment are the strongest parts of his story. That he emerges from some of the darkest moments that a human could suffer in the name of faithful belief in Jesus Christ with a vibrant faith is in many ways amazing. The story astounds and brings one closer to God and God's compassion in the midst of suffering and trial.
From my perspective it is a shame that his story is so intermingled with human politics. The human powers involved in the story and in the liberation of Brunson are certainly a vital part of the story, but the way the story is told these human powers pull away from the glory that is due to God and God alone for orchestrating things toward justice. These parts of the story do show that God works within human structures to bring about his glory even when those structures are flawed or politically motivated.
This is a great story that declares God's victory. God brings about his purpose through the pain caused by humans. God brings together his church and draws people into the church through the suffering that we are often forced to embrace as the faithful.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher: Baker Books.