Truly, Truly, I Say to You
Is there still power and wonder in the words of Jesus? In Truly, Truly, I Say to You, Adam Ramsey writes meditations on the words of Jesus form the Gospel of John.
Slow Down, Be Still
In just less than 200 pages, Ramsey shares 42 sayings of Jesus (one of them is actually the silence of Holy Saturday), explains what they mean, and applies them to your life. These are short reflections but every single one of them is worth your consideration. This book will cause you to slow down, be still, and soak yourself in Scripture.
Throughout the book, Ramsey shares insights from Charles Spurgeon. Their thoughts fit well together and it is clear that Ramsey highly respects and has learned much from the Prince of Preachers. This book reminds me of classic books from the Puritans, where they squeeze out every bit of truth from a single verse or saying. Ramsey triumphantly carries on this tradition.
Theological Clarity, Pastoral Warmth
I was most interested to hear Jesus say “I chose you” in John 15:16-19. Ramsey writes that this is a humbling truth. I found rest in the fact that I don’t need to find acceptance from others as I am already chosen and cherished by Christ. We are chosen by grace and we are chosen to be agents of grace. My heart was led to worship and I was motivated to continue carrying out his mission.
I was most moved towards the end of the book, as Jesus’ words are become brief but are still filled with meaning. “I thirst.” “It is finished.” “Peace be with you.” I am convinced that entire books can be written about these short sentences! I was also intrigued at the questions Jesus posed. At the beginning of the book, he asks, “What are you seeking?” He did not ask this to be informed, but for the sake of his followers. He wanted them to search their hearts as he knew he would be the only one who could satisfy. Ramsey does an excellent job of explaining them with theological clarity and pastoral warmth.
Focus on Jesus
While written and arranged with Lent in mind, this book is a fitting devotional for any season. Reading it at the start of the new year helped bring me in to focus on what Jesus’ life was really about and what I should be focused on. It has caused me to challenge what I think Jesus said with what he actually means. I am grateful for God’s Word and I don’t want to take it for granted this year. Where else can I go? Jesus has the words of eternal life. No one ever spoke like this man!
I received a media copy of Truly, Truly, I Say to You and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.