By Roy Clements
IVP. 224 pages. £5.99
ISBN 0 85110 890 3
This book is a lively and thought-provoking exposition of parts of Ezekiel and Daniel which began life as sermons. It is a case, or rather a volume, of 'classic Clements' for those familiar with Roy Clements' preaching!
His contention is that these books, written at the time of the Exile, are of extraordinary relevance to Christians in the West today. He suggests: 'We, too, like the Jews in exile, are increasingly reduced to little more than a minority sect in a world where secularism is calling all the shots.' How then are we to sustain and practise biblical faith in our post-Christian society? Should we expect imminent revival, as many of Ezekiel's contemporaries did and some do today?
While not attempting to cover all that is found in the two books, Clements focuses on a number of key themes and passages. He illustrates the fact that God's Word is not necessarily a promise of immediate revival, and that in Ezekiel's day this was actually the emphasis of the false prophets.
He comments that: 'Premature talk of imminent revival may all too easily subvert the authentic word of God to an apostate church and to an idolatrous nation.' The exposition of the extraordinary vision of God that Ezekiel experienced is masterly and heart-warming.
Daniel, in turn, provides a striking example for us of living out our faith in a godless society, involved and yet distinct and courageous.
The familiar stories of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar come to life again with their message of a God who is sovereign over all the powers on earth. The final chapters speak of hope for the future that God makes possible. 'Our trump card, if you like, is our vision of the future. There never has been a time when eschatology was more important.'
The book concludes with an exposition of the vision of the dry bones coming to life in Ezekiel 37. It is an assurance of the power and commitment of God to revive his people, and the part he calls us to play. It is a book laced with memorable statements and some wonderful quotations. Definitely worth reading!
