Captivated: Beholding the Mystery of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

By

Thabiti M. Anyabwile

I love the title of this book! It is so appropriate because when you read it, your heart cannot help but be captivated by Jesus. It’s undeniable, you cannot resist His love and all He has done for you. I truly fell in love all over again with my Savior. I realized in reading this book that I was guilty. I had stopped being captivated and contemplating the wonders of the works of the cross, His death and His resurrection for us, for me.

In one sense I knew this information theologically and come to grips with many of the passages Anyabwile explains. Yet because of how he describes and brings forth the Word of God in a way that moved me so deeply, I saw theses passages in a whole new way. My love for God and my Redeemer Jesus Christ has grown considerably because of this new perspective. Since Anyabwile has a way in bringing the Scriptures alive, this makes it harder to resist seeing all the love our Savior has for us. Thus loving and glorifying Him even more in return!

Also understanding how Jesus truly did suffer painful agony out of love for his Father to save us undeniably makes Him our perfect companion in our own suffering. Therefore we can lean on Jesus Christ for true comfort when we ourselves are suffering. What a biblical truth to come to grips with in your soul and mind. For me it was mind boggling, relevant to my own spiritual growth and in essence a turning point in my own faith with God to actually truly understand this theologically deep truth in my life as one who suffers pain daily.

« We must remember and treasure that Jesus willingly suffered all this so sinners can escape it. Jesus’ abandonment means the sinner’s adoption. He took our place on the cross so we can take His place in the kingdom. »

I cherish this quote. I mean really, I need to read this over and over again to fully comprehend it’s meaning in my life!

This is a short book, yet one of the best and most helpful books I have read to lead me back to the essentials in my Christian’s life. Read the book and be captivated by Jesus’ love for you! You’ll be blessed and fall in love all over again.

Extract from: Thabiti M. Anyabwile. « Captivated: Beholding the Mystery of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. » Reformation Heritage Books, 2014-01-28. iBooks. Page 59

*I have received a free copy of Captivated by Reformation Heritage Books. However I am under no obligation to write a positive review. These are entirely my own personal opinions and thoughts expressed according to my own discernment.

Ann L Beaulieu