MINING FOR WISDOM
By Derek Thomas
Evangelical Press. 191 pages
ISBN 0 85234 531 3
Derek Thomas's book takes the form of a 28-day devotional study based on the book of Job.
It is not so much an in-depth study of Job as a look into some of the great themes of this book, with a view to investigating the issues of suffering and the sovereignty of God. Thomas uses Job as the primary focus, but also brings in the Psalms and New Testament material to give a rounded biblical perspective on these topics. Each chapter is brief and ends with a few questions intended for journal writing, which the author encourages. The book is clear, easy to read, and conversational in style.
It is difficult to tackle the topic of suffering and the Christian response to it without sounding trite. At some points Thomas falls into this trap, but overall he does have many helpful and interesting points to make. This book deals with a serious subject, but not in a thorough or intensive manner. It would perhaps be helpful to the reader who is making a start at reading theological books, or to those who particularly appreciate the devotional format. Others, however, may find it too brief, and the style too conversational and light. It contains much that is true and worthy of consideration, and conveys it in an accessible way. The focus is clearly on God. But for some readers the chatty devotional style will not suit the power and majesty of the book of Job, which has defeated many an author's attempt to set it forth.
