Off the Shelf

A Tale of Two Sons by John MacArthur
God is My Coach by Larry Julian

From the May 2009 Philogian

Jesus was the consummate teller of stories.  The gospel-writers record more than seventy stories Jesus told.  We know them as the parables, defined as short, simple stories from which a moral lesson can be drawn.  I am confident that you could sit down and make a list of at least twenty parables Jesus told.  But two parables seem to rise to the top and, interestingly enough, both are recorded only in Luke’s gospel.  These two are: the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. 

John MacArthur, one of our country’s pre-eminent Bible teachers and writers, has authored a book concerning the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  It is titled, A Tale of Two Sons (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2008).  Like me, you may have thought that you knew this parable well.  But, upon reading the book, I came to realize that I had merely scratched the surface on its understanding. 

The book is divided into three sections, each focusing upon one of the major characters in the story: the prodigal, the father, and the elder brother.  MacArthur paints a not-too-glamorous picture of the prodigal.  He was arrogant and self-seeking.  He lacked all respect for authority, especially when it came to his father.  And, upon receiving his share of the inheritance, forcing his father to sell his assets in order to give money to his rebellious son, the prodigal showed a complete lack of discernment in using those resources.  MacArthur goes on to show the utter contempt the Pharisees had for the prodigal.  Their indictment upon him: he was worthy of death.

Then the author focuses upon the father.  What an amazing person he was!  He defied all the social norms of the time.  Yes, he did divide his estate at the demand of his youngest son.  Yes, he did run down the road and hug his returning prodigal, violating all social mores of the day.  And instead of chastising his erring son, he offered a feast.  What a picture of God’s to us even as we are prone to wander astray.

But, for me, the most interesting section was MacArthur’s description of the actions and attitude of the elder brother.  His conclusion was that Jesus used this elder brother to penetrate the hearts of the Pharisees for they obviously felt the elder brother was justified in his attitude both toward his father and most certainly toward his younger brother.  They felt anger toward the prodigal and shame toward the father, but they had pity toward the elder brother.  Imagine their surprise when Jesus appeared to more strongly condemn the elder brother than the prodigal.  They knew it was an indictment against them.  And their reaction was one of anger resulting, MacArthur suggests, in the plotting of the death of Christ. 

Although the book is a little longer than it needed to be, nonetheless the message of the parable and the conflict it portrays is brilliantly described.  I would highly recommend this book for a small group desiring a penetrating examination of one of Jesus’ most popular stories.  In the course of that study you will learn much about God and, perhaps, even about yourself.

A second book which I highly recommend is written by one of our Village Schools graduates.  God Is My Coach (Center Street, 2009) is the third in a series written by Larry Julian, a business coach located in the Twin Cities.  Larry’s previous books include: God Is My CEO, and God Is My Success.  Larry has been uniquely gifted with the ability to understand the dynamics of what makes a business successful.  His focus is not upon a financial bottom line, but upon an attitude of dependence upon God and an attitude that inspires confidence in work relationships.

I found the subtitle to Larry’s newest book very pertinent to our day: “A Business Leader’s Guide to Finding Clarity in an Uncertain World.”  How does a person find this clarity?  In the book, Larry outlines eight specific principles that can guide not only a business person, but anyone through these challenging times.  As one who has spent his life in Christian ministry, I was captured with the truths of the first chapter: The Gift of Your Unique Calling.  I remember my father-in-law telling me as I shared with him that I was entering into the ministry, “Max, make sure this is God’s calling upon your life.”  And I believe God’s calling is more than upon those who enter into ministry.  I have visited with those who were in teaching professions, in service positions, and in leadership roles who also knew God’s calling upon their lives.  I believe this truth is a foundational one.

Larry’s final chapter is a touching account of his relationship with Monty Sholund, founder of Village Schools.  It really is a tribute to how Monty focused upon “the one.”  True success is found as “the one” then ministers to another thus multiplying him or herself into the lives of many.  I remember when I came to Village Schools being constantly reminded of the “2 Timothy 2:2 Principle”.  You remember that verse as stating: And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

The strength of Larry’s books is the stories he relates of men and women who have modeled the principles that he shares.  These stories bring encouragement to the reader.  I often said to myself during my reading, “If God can do that through ________, then I need to trust God to do something similar through me.” 

This is a book I would highly recommend as a gift to someone who is struggling with knowing how they fit into our uncertain world.  It could be a business person, a teacher, a pastor, or a son or daughter.  I believe the discussions that would follow such a gift would be an encouragement both to the one who gives the book as well as to the one who receives it. 

Well, summer is coming.  I trust you will find some quiet time on the deck or on the dock to enjoy a good book.  Drop me an e-mail letting me know what book is blessing your life.        

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