AP

Review of Sinclair B. Ferguson, Jesus, Strong and Kind, Fearn: Christian Focus, 2024.

            Colin Buchanan, along with Rich Thompson, Jonny Robinson and Michael Farren, composed what has become something of a favourite song in Christian circles, Jesus, Strong and Kind. It holds a special place in our household as it was sung at the funeral of our five year old granddaughter, Emily, in 2022. I even have a video of her singing it. The best children’s stories, according to C. S. Lewis, are those that also appeal to adults, and the same can be said of this song. It is suitable for believers of all ages.

            As a commentator, Sinclair Ferguson is one of the few learned theologians who can also talk to children. A couple of criticisms might be permitted. The promise that those who believe in Christ will ‘never thirst’ comes from John 4:14, not John 6:35 (p.7). There is a fair bit of licence taken in dealing with the Samaritan woman in John 4. That she is rather sarcastic with Jesus is true; that she is quite as aggressive and almost belittling is rather doubtful.

            Decide that for yourself. The rest of the book is engaging and informative. Sinclair connects Jesus’ sleeping in the boat during a storm in Mark 4, when the disciples were fearful, to Peter’s sleeping in prison in Acts 12. Peter had learned to trust Jesus. Families are encouraged to sing the song (which is easy to pick up) and grow in their knowledge of Jesus as the Christ. The appeal to trust in Christ is found at the end of the book, and while it does not say everything, it flows from the message and is most apt.

            Not many children’s books are as refreshing and as clear as this one.

– Peter Barnes