Reviewer: Brian Fletcher holds an M.Div and D. Min from Covenant Theological Seminary. After spending 14 years on staff at Young Life, he became a pastor at Spring Run Presbyterian Church in Midlothian, VA. Brian has three kids, loves to fish, and read and develop resources for people in ministry.
Title: Beauty in the Desert
Author: Eddie Broussard
Publisher/Copyright: NavPress, 2011
I’ve read through Exodus several times and I have usually skimmed past the passages regarding the tabernacle. I was never really sure why I needed to know all the details or what all the elements within the tabernacle represented. In his book, Beauty in the Desert, Eddie Broussard, takes the reader on a historical journey back to the Israelite’s days of wondering in the desert. Specifically, he reveals the meaning and purpose of the tabernacle and its relation to God’s people. Broussard has written a well researched book that not only uncovers the historicity of the tabernacle but its application for believers today.
My normal modus operandi for devotions tends to go something like this…pray, read my Bible, write down some thoughts and applications, and close in prayer. Beauty in the Desert gives the reader a different approach to their devotional life. The meaning and purpose of the tabernacle and all its elements can be used devotionally to enter into a deeper relationship with God. By way of example, Broussard takes a personal crisis to the Lord through a devotional model that goes through the tabernacle. The reader begins to understand that God has provided a way for His people to communicate and connect with Himself. One way to do that is by taking a close look at the tabernacle to see how God spiritually draws us to Himself by way of an earthly structure.
One of the dominant motifs in the book is the connection Broussard makes between the Old Testament, specifically the elements of the tabernacle, and the New Testament, specifically Jesus Christ. Too often, believers do not see or understand how the two are connected. As Augustine wrote, “The New Testament is in the Old concealed; the Old Testament is in the New revealed.” Again, we are blessed by the research that Broussard has put into this book by understanding how the tabernacle points to the ministry of Jesus and how Jesus has fulfilled the meaning of the tabernacle. Broussard also offers two helpful tables at the end of the book to help the reader understand the continuity and discontinuity of the two priesthoods.
Eddie Broussard has written a thoughtful, well researched book. This book not only helps the reader understand the meaning and importance of the tabernacle to the Israelite community in Exodus but its importance for the believer today.
“Some of the most painful times in our lives are also the most formative. These deeply transforming seasons are often called deserts.” p.14
“As the crackling heat of the bronze altar reminds us of the sacrifice of Christ an of our self-will, and the purifying waters of the bronze laver point us to the cleansing of our innermost being, we gaze upon the mystery of the tabernacle. The ornate curtain in front of us covers the entrance to the tabernacle and stirs our intrigue for what lies beyond. We find confidence to enter this place of deep satisfaction and unimaginable beauty because of the new way Jesus opened for us through his sacrifice.” p.66
“Psalm 100:5 goes on to say, “The Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” This is why we can enter the gates that lead to the Lord’s presence with thanksgiving, because no matter what we face we can know that the Lord is good, that his love has no limit, and that he is faithful.” p. 104-105
“God’s people have a choice. We can join him in the mission of expanding his kingdom or be only spectators who watch the wave of God’s transforming power sweep through families, communities, and nations.” p. 143
Recommended For: This book seems to be best used for people seeking to deepen their spiritual walk devotionally. To really grasp the truths in this book, one will have to go back and study the passages regarding the tabernacle and Christ’s fulfillment of its shadow. Mainly helpful for personal growth and spiritual formation groups. It could be a great book to use on a personal retreat.
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