In this delightful study, Mark does three very helpful things. First, he offers us a positive and manageable way in to the Book of Numbers, which is both a vital part of the canon and a neglected one. Secondly, he makes creative and insightful connections with other parts of Scripture. Thirdly, he connects both of these with the realities of the lived Christian life, drawing from his own experience and insight. The combination is certain to be an encouragement and a blessing for your Lenten journey. Take and read!
- Rev'd Dr Ian Paul, Theologian, Author, Speaker
During Lent we talk often about the wilderness but rarely take time to reflect on the story of God's people in the wilderness that is laid out in Numbers. This brilliant book of reflections takes us step by step through the book of Numbers and opens our eyes to the many riches that wilderness experiences can offer. I highly recommend it!
- Dr Paula Gooder, Writer and Speaker
Warm, honest, inviting biblical wisdom. Mark is a thoughtful, relaxed, guide as we journey through the book of Numbers, always helping us see how the story of God’s people in the wilderness, is taken up in Jesus’ own life, and through the New Testament to our own lives. A model in the use of the Old Testament in the life of Jesus’ disciples today.
- Rev'd Professor Jeremy Duff, Principal of St Padarn's Theological Institute
Mark Broadway offers everything that should be in a good Lenten study book. It doesn’t need any specialist prior knowledge at all – Mark does not browbeat with theology, but provides straightforward, grounded daily theological insight relevant to our modern lives. For many of us, Numbers has been literally and metaphorically a ‘closed book’ of the Bible. But here it is opened to us with deft skill, drawing us into the dramatic narrative and calling our attention to the constant points of reference between our own lives and these ancient events. In doing so he imbues them with an engaging freshness: this is personal Bible study at its best. It is written for absolutely everyone, though I wonder – with some professional excitement – if this is a Bible study guide which will be rather more accessible to men than is typical for the genre, and only in part because of the nature of the events described in Numbers. I can recommend this book gladly, and will be buying copies for friends.
- Canon Tim Llewellyn Jones, Director of Ministry & Discipleship, Llandaff Diocese
The book of Numbers is all too easily overlooked by today’s Christians, even though it recounts the things which Paul tells us “happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us” (1 Corinthians 10:11). This Lent devotional will take you along with the Israelites on their journey through the wilderness, pointing out the examples and warnings, offering us hope and challenging us to do better as we face our own wilderness experiences today.
- Dr Ros Clarke, Associate DIrector of Church Society and author of 'Forty Women' and 'Human'
In the wake of the personal and societal wilderness brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, this Lenten devotional is especially fitting for a time such as this. Mark skillfully approaches Numbers, a book whose pages are often intentionally passed over, and makes it wonderfully accessible in a way not seen often. His balance of interesting historical background, modern cultural references, and relatable personal anecdotes help illustrate and illuminate the story of God’s character and His faithfulness to His people Israel even among the trials of their wilderness wanderings on the way to the Promised Land. More importantly, throughout this devotional Mark ties the Lord’s promises to Israel with His ultimate plan for all the nations in the sending of His son Jesus Christ for the redemption of the whole world!
- Canon Wes Jagoe, Canon to the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America
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