How do we get our kids interested in the Bible? In the Old Testament? How do we get them to see the point of the Old Testament, in all of its odd detailed-ness, and how it points to Jesus? Marty Machowski—an executive pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Pennsylvania and who has written many books: family devotionals, curricula, children’s books, and parenting titles—has taken seven Bible stories and reimagined them through the eyes of animals who have witnessed the events firsthand. The stories aren’t changed, only the perspectives through which they are read.
This is the first of four books in the Redemption Tales series. The stories chosen in this first book come from the first two books of the Bible:
- Genesis
- the Fall,
- the flood,
- the Tower of Babel,
- the binding of Isaac,
- Joseph being sold to the Ishmaelites,
- Joseph revealing his true identity to his brothers;
- and Exodus
- the Hebrews’ flight from Egypt.
Each chapter begins with a pair of animals running around hanging out with other animals. They either run into the serpent (as in the first two chapters) or straight into the biblical event. Through a wise white dove named Daniel, Machowski shows how these OT stories foreshadow how Jesus will rescue and redeem his people.
For example, Daniel tells a donkey and two egrets about how Jesus’s sacrifice will be both similar to and greater than Isaac’s almost-sacrifice. That said, what I really appreciated about this chapter (ch 4) is that Machowski doesn’t interpret Abraham’s obedience to God’s command as a leap of faith, even though at first that’s where I thought he was taking the story (p. 45). However, Machowski focuses on God’s promises to Abraham as the basis for Abraham’s obedience, even pointing to the covenant made in Genesis 15:12–14. You and your children will be reminded of God’s promises that he would make Abraham a father of many nations, his children would return to the land of promise, and even kings would come from him. It was because of God’s promises and his proven faithfulness that led Abraham to trust God in this scene. (I also think that the covenant that was made where God walked between the animals Abraham had split has a lot to do with it too.)
Each chapter ends with a good list of Bible verses that contribute to that story’s theology. The book ends with study questions and an answer key for each chapter.
Recommended?
This is a fun book for kids going through the stories they know while faithfully pointing them to Jesus and his work for us. I have read a few of Machowski’s works, and I really appreciate his emphasis on the gospel and how he properly interprets the stories. He is able to relay the Bible’s message to children without making it childish, showing that it is possible to teach them gospel truths and God’s overarching message without goofy antics.
Buy it on Amazon or from New Growth Press
Lagniappe
- Series: Redemption Tales
- Author: Marty Machowski
- Age Range: 8–12 years
- Paperback: 128 pages
- Publisher: New Growth Press (February 12, 2024)
Review Disclosure: I received this book free from New Growth Press. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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