Tools For the Journey

I often run up against the limits of my own biblical knowledge rather quickly as I study God’s Word. And then when I search for some good books to help my understanding along, I am faced with the difficult task of wading through tens of thousands of books that seem like they could be helpful, but none of which I am completely sure should serve as a qualified guide. Then I start calling respected friends to get their opinions. When I finally find an author a number of friends agree upon, I’m quick to buy up as much as I can so that no matter what book of the Bible I’m studying I’ve got a shelf a trusted advisers at my beck and call.

One such qualified guide is Alec Motyer. Alec Motyer was an Irish biblical scholar and pastor who died in 2016 at the ripe old age of 92. He wrote a number of books that have been instrumental in helping to solidify the intellectual foundation of my faith. Here are a few:

Isaiah by the Day: A New Devotional Translation

In this devotional, Motyer translates the book of Isaiah in a fresh way that brings every chapter to life. Each day’s devotion is only about 3 pages long with helpful footnotes that give the non-academic reader like myself as much insight into the book of Isaiah as I could hope for. Each day’s wrap-up thought from Motyer is alone worth the price of the book.

Psalms by the Day: A New Devotional Translation

Just like his devotional on Isaiah, this one on the Psalms is probably as much as the non-academic could hope for when studying the book of Psalms. Motyer’s insights bring rich new life to the Psalms no matter how many times you’ve read them. 

A Christian's Pocket Guide to Loving the Old Testament: One Book, One God, One Story

The title says it all! In this wonderful little book, Motyer helps us understand that God’s Word starts in Genesis 1 and ends in Revelation 22 – no page in the middle that says “New Testament” is needed. Buy this book and be prepared to have your love for God’s Word grow.

Look to the Rock: An Old Testament Background to Our Understanding of Christ

Again, the title says it all. Motyer shows us that the so-called ‘Old Testament’ is essential for our understanding of the ‘New Testament’ and is the only way we can truly understand Christ. 

Motyer has a handful of other books, and I recommend them all. His book on preaching is a must-read in my opinion. If you want to get a sense of the man before buying any of his books check out the few mini sermons that exist of his on YouTube: Alec Motyer preaching.

I hope you all find this child of God as helpful the grounding of your faith and your love for God’s Word as I have.