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.
Author
Christopher Ash is Writer–in–Residence at Tyndale House and Ministry Trainer at St. Andrew the Great church in Cambridge. From 2004 to 2015 he was Director of the Proclamation Trust Cornhill Training Course. He splits his time between preaching, speaking and writing, and has written several books, including ‘Bible Delight: Psalm 119 for the Bible teacher and Bible hearer’ and ‘Teaching Psalms Vol. 1’.
Endorsements
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
For those looking for help in preaching and teaching Ruth and Esther here it is. Ash informs, instructs, and inspires as he helps the reader understand the meaning and implications of these two biblical books. Ruth and Esther are a part of Holy Scripture and deserve to be preached and taught to Christian congregations. If you are looking for help in communicating the messages of these books, Ash provides it in a stellar form.
William F. Cook Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
