This is one book I love to read every year, beginning on Palm Sunday. The reason for the beginning date is obvious as you get into the book--that's when Chapter 1 begins. And you aren't you far into the book before you realize that the main character, Simeon, is intending to kill himself. He blames himself for the death of his only son and severe injury of his daughter, Vashti, in a disasterous fire in Cyrene. He's certain his beloved wife and daughter also blame him and hate him.
As he goes through the week, he hears of the Prophet in town who is healing people, and his hopes rise. He makes it a point to talk to the Man, Jesus, offering Him all his considerable riches if Jesus will only heal Vashti. Jesus tells Simeon to come back when Simeon understands who He (Jesus) is. Simeon goes away disheartened.
Now, I could tell you the rest of the story, but I won't. Yes, this Simeon is the one who carries Jesus' cross on the way to Golgotha. Yes, there is a happy ending. But you're going to have to read this man's progress through despair and disbelief to joyous recognition of the Savior. It's a fitting and beautiful tribute to the Lord. It's compelling, a page-turner---and yet, I hope you'll resist the urge to read it too fast. You'd miss so much.
1 comment:
This is one of my very favorite books. I have read it many times.It changed my perspective
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