An Ocean of Grace

Though I personally don't celebrate Lent (see Romans 14:5 for my views on this), I love the season leading up to Easter. These are some special days to reflect upon the glories of Christ as we await one of the greatest celebrations of the Christian faith. Just as Advent is a good season to reflect upon the coming of the King, so the 40 days prior to Easter—otherwise known as Lent—are perfect for meditating on the work of Christ leading up to His death and resurrection. Scripture is emphatic: without the resurrection we have no foundation to stand on. Just read Paul's words to the Corinthian church:

"Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

Friends for the Journey

If you've kept up with Dwell With Christ over the years, you've probably heard of Tim Chester. He is one of my favorite present-day authors, and reading his books is like meeting with a friend for coffee. His writing is deeply theological, applicable, and devotional. He often taps into the old writers, and those gleanings are extremely good for my soul. His most recent book An Ocean of Grace: A Journey to Easter with Great Voices from the Past is yet another wonderful resource for meditating on the glorious truths of Easter. 

The truths of Easter haven't changed, so why another book? Chester's aim is not to bring us new information. Rather, his hope is that "familiar truths will come with fresh power to capture our imaginations and captivate our hearts" (p. 9). After a year of COVID-19 and everything that has unfolded since then, I could certainly use a strong dose of Christ's glory. I need to intentionally fix my eyes on Jesus, and Tim Chester has brought some old friends along to help me do just that.

A break from the norm, An Ocean of Grace is full of poetry, prayers, and meditation from theological giants and saints whose faith has now become sight. In this rich devotional, we hear from the likes of Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390), Stephen Charnock, Augustine, John Calvin, and more. How often do you get a sampling of the early church fathers, Reformers, Puritans, and the Victorian Era in one place?

These short, heart-warming, soul-stirring reads are sure to point your soul to Jesus. Thankfully, Chester has lightly edited some of the wording so we don't have to do the challenging, and often daunting, work of decoding the complex old English that comes with reading the old writers.

If you grab this devotional, you're surely in for a treat. Grab your coffee, find a warm nook, and behold the Christ. As you do so, let your mind and emotions be stirred to pray and worship the King. As we behold His glory this Easter, we are being transformed into His image from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)!

*Affiliate Disclosure:
​I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a positive review. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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