|
Review by Tama Montgomery
The characters of the Bible spring to life . . . such a trite and overused expression. And yet, never have those words been more aptly applied than to "The Blessing of the Lord."
All the familiar characters and stories are here -- Eve in the Garden, Samuel in the Temple, Mary with the angel, and Jesus on the Cross. But author Gary D. Schmidt does not give us the factual events of these stories, does not tell us what happened to this character or that in a slightly fabricated scenario that we have come to expect in Bible story collections. What Schmidt does give us is the humanity of these people -- not mere characters -- in the Bible. His retellings spill out the hearts and thoughts, the trials and jubilations of the people of God.
Their perspectives are fresh, the words smooth and seamless, and the emotions powerful in Schmidt's retelling. You will strain into the sunlight with Noah, waiting for a glimpse of the returning dove. You will weep with the brokenhearted Samson as he realizes it is he who has abandoned God. And you will rejoice with Ananias as the scales fall away from Saul's eyes and heart.
The stories come from a variety of viewpoints. Some are presented by the main figure, such as Eve who turns the words of the Serpent over and over in her mind. Others are told by a character on the periphery, someone who watches in astonishment as God works through his faithful like the Philistine soldier who carries Goliath's shield as he and David do battle.
The life and vibrancy of the stories are mirrored in Dennis Nolan's finely drawn illustrations. His stirring full-color scenes are soft hued, yet have great strength and impact.
Remaining faithful to the Scriptures, these unique presentations allow young readers to explore the thoughts and motives of the people involved in the great events of the Bible.
©1997, ProMotion, inc.
Support your