THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM
By Malcolm Maclean
DayOne. 143 pages. £7
ISBN 978 1 846 253 614
DayOne books are a pretty safe place to go for sound doctrine, and this book does not disappoint either.
In it, Malcolm Maclean takes us through the life of Abraham; it is an expositional/ devotional book that takes you through Genesis 12.1–25.11. If you have read Expository Thoughts on the Gospels by J. C. Ryle, you will find it similar in approach.
Starting in Acts
In the first chapter, Maclean considers Acts 7.1-4, Stephen’s sermon in which he tells of the time God appeared to Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia – Abraham’s call to follow God, leaving his idolatrous life behind. I have found this chapter particularly interesting, as I usually think of Abraham’s call in terms of Genesis 12, but this was a call prior to that, a call to life from dead idol-worship, which Stephen points to in the beginning of his sermon. Chapter Two is aptly titled ‘Abraham’s Second Call’.
You will find that for maximum benefit you will want to read the passages the author suggests at the beginning of each chapter, making its message clearly rooted in the Scriptures, as any helpful devotional should aim to do. Malcolm’s language is non-technical and warm-hearted, insightful and encouraging. Christians in all stages of their walk with the Lord will benefit from this book.
