A person’s mental state is one of the most biggest determining factors that enables a person to suffer well. Throughout Scripture we are challenged to regularly renew our minds in the truths of God’s Word. And specifically looking to Jesus, renewing our minds with who he is, and being amazed by him is one of the most important ways we can renew our minds. Consistently looking to Jesus enables us to walk through suffering with grace and endurance. Hebrews 12 give us this encouragement:
Hebrews 12:2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
When we keep our eyes fixed on him we will be able to persevere and endure like him. But how can we know someone who is beyond our understanding? In Romans 11 the Apostle Paul asks the question “Who can know the mind of God?” It’s a rhetorical question because Christ is beyond our comprehension. But Jesus still desires us to know him and be in a relationship with him. So throughout Scripture, we are given metaphors and pictures to help us understand elements of Christ’s character, nature, and work. Some are more well known than others, but each word picture helps us better grasp who he is and what he does for us.
In Portraits of Christ Keddie and Whitla unpack the 40 different metaphors the Bible uses to describe our Savior to us. Each chapter unpacks scripture after scripture helping us be amazed by Jesus and fall more in love with him. Jesus said if he was lifted up, men would be drawn to him. This book does a fantastic job of lifting him up and God will use it to draw your heart toward his. This book is a fantastic tool to help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus which will enable you to suffer well.
One of the things I love about this book is each chapter is relatively short so it can be used in personal devotions or family worship. This hardcover book is customizable from Crown and Covenant and is built to last, making it a great heirloom to pass on to future generations. It would also serve as a great resource book for any preacher or teacher who is looking for a good reference tool on Jesus.
I received a media copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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