Witnesses of God’s Redemptive Passion
An Imaginative Narration of Old Testament Relationships Foreshadowing the Messiah
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After several weeks in Bethlehem, Naomi and Ruth’s lives had stabilized, and their activities assumed a familiar routine. Much of their earlier anxiety had lifted and their modest accommodation brought them a novel feeling of home. While Naomi still harbored deep sadness, disappointment, and anger within her heart, the relatively smooth reintegration into Bethlehem’s community had soothed her conscious fears and exceeded her unspoken desires. During this relative calm, she recalled how the Lord God had led the Israelites in the desert for forty years and had humbled them to test the substance of their hearts. They experienced difficulty and hardship, but despite their discontent and grumblings, God faithfully supplied manna to sustain them. Manna had become their daily provision of food which required no human toil or planning. It was a gift of God’s grace. Its mysterious appearance was a clear testimony of an essential spiritual truth, a reality that Israel had sadly ignored. They were the chosen people of the Lord. Therefore, their sustenance and vitality would not come from the bread of Egypt which molds with time, but instead it comes from the Bread of Life, the God of revelations, who is eternally life-affirming. Was the Lord in his wisdom testing her, as he had tested Israel? Hadn’t she just experienced a season of her own spiritual wilderness just as Israel had grown weary of wandering in the desert for forty-years? In her return to the land of promise, was she not welcomed home with joy? Had God not provided for her every meal? Was she not silently reveling in a new hope which had graciously entered her previously hard and bitter heart? Naomi began to cry. The years of inner pain and uneasy emotions spilled into the room. Her heart, like a liberated spring, released its pent-up emotions. The suffocating weight of the lies and illusions, which had once extinguished her life passions, was lifted. As she stepped firmly into her emotions, she caught a glimpse of the vibrant woman that God had called her to be. She embraced anew her true inner identity. This animated vitality gave new vigor and life to her deep hopes and dreams. Then, after a long period of silence and solitude, she confessed her heart to the Lord. For the first time in many years, she experienced the glow of true peace. Naomi unconsciously smiled, and lifting her head and hands to the heavens, began singing praises to her Lord God.
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About the Book
Embark on a transformative journey through the Old Testament, where ancient narratives come alive with renewed depth and relevance. In Witnesses of God’s Redemptive Passion, Stephen J. Schafers masterfully weaves Bible storytelling with insightful reflections, allowing readers to experience the lives of biblical figures as never before. From the dawn of creation to the return of the exiles, this imaginative narration chronicles the stories of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, the judges, and the monarchies of Israel. Each account is enriched with context and color yet remains faithful to the theme of redemption in the Bible. Through these narratives, the book highlights the spiritual struggles in the Bible, drawing parallels between the challenges faced by ancient figures and those encountered by modern readers. Central to this work is the exploration of foreshadowing Jesus in the Old Testament. Schafers delves into how the lives and experiences of these early witnesses point toward the coming Messiah, culminating in a profound examination of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. This perspective offers readers a deeper understanding of the continuity and purpose woven throughout Scripture. Beyond historical recounting, the book offers practical insights for today’s believers. By examining the life application of the Old Testament, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own faith journeys, drawing inspiration and caution from the triumphs and failures of these biblical characters. The narratives serve as both a mirror and a guide, offering life lessons from the Old Testament that resonate with contemporary spiritual pursuits. Witnesses of God’s Redemptive Passion is more than a retelling; it's an invitation to engage deeply with Scripture, to see oneself in its stories, and to grasp the enduring message of redemption that threads from Genesis to Revelation. Whether you're a seasoned theologian or a curious seeker, this book promises to enrich your understanding and invigorate your faith.
About the Author
Stephen J. Schafers is a Christian husband and father who was arrested and redeemed by the steadfast love and gracious mercy of Jesus Christ. He is a grateful witness of Jesus’ transforming power and the liberating truth of his Holy Word.