Teaching Ruth and Esther: From Text to Message

Ruth and Esther are two prophetic pictures of the same gospel. One speaks of a last-minute rescue from death, the other of a long-awaited filling of a terrible emptiness. One ends with a baby; the other concludes with an annual remembrance of an amazing escape. But neither really ends, until they find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Part of the Teaching series, this book is designed to help the pastor/preacher, small group leader, or youth worker in preparing and presenting studies.

The book begins with a brief, but very helpful, chapter on How to Read Old Testament Stories, and proceeds to exemplify this exquisitely as the reader is led through the contrastingly beautiful and disturbing dramas of Ruth and Esther. Christopher’s characteristic mastery of textual detail married with theological clarity and richness is always stimulating, and preachers who want to apply the wealth of God’s grace and comfort from these ancient Christian Scriptures will find much here to help them do so.

— William Philip, Minister, The Tron Church, Glasgow