Our Radiant Redeemer: Lent Devotions on the Transfiguration of Jesus

by Tim Chester

Marvel at Jesus’ glory with these daily reflections on the transfiguration. This devotional looks at the transfiguration of Jesus in depth, giving readers a glorious lens through which to view Jesus during Lent and Easter. Tim Chester says in his “The transfiguration is a light that illuminates the meaning of the cross and resurrection. As we look deeper, we’ll discover that it’s not just Jesus who is transfigured. His promise is that we, too, can be transfigured by the light he brings to our lives.” As we see Jesus in all his glory, we will be reminded of how marvelous he is and how brilliant our future with him will be. We will be moved to worship Jesus with our whole lives, giving thanks for all that he is and all that he has done. Each of the 40 devotions includes prompts to reflect and pray.

Genres: Christian, Devotional

187 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Dr Tim Chester is involved in The Crowded House, a church planting initiative in Sheffield, UK. He was previously Research & Policy Director for Tearfund UK, and has been published widely on prayer, mission, social issues and theology. He is married to Helen and has two daughters.

Reviews

[Nicole Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great devotional to work through over lent, and helped me appreciate the transfiguration in many new ways! It was a great length to just stop each day and appreciate this moment of glory for Jesus as he headed for his glory in the cross and resurrection, and the ultimate glory awaiting all who trust in him!

[Karrie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Tim Chester's writing and attention to detail.
This book forced me to slow down and look at one moment in scripture for almost 40 days.
The transfiguration is so sweet, and I'm grateful for this book in this season.
Woo!

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good devotional to read leading up to the yearly resurrection celebration.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

This Lent devotional explores the story of Jesus's transfiguration. As Tim Chester explains at the beginning of the book, many Christians aren't very familiar with the gospel accounts of the Transfiguration or don't know what they mean. Chester encourages his readers to see the glory of God revealed through this transcendent story, and he unpacks the accounts from different gospels in each section of this book. Chester helps his readers understand each narrative, compares and contrasts these different accounts of the same story, and draws parallels to the Old Testament throughout.

This book features daily readings for the season of Lent, and Chester structured each section based on the weeks of Lent. However, this book is also appropriate for devotional reading at any time of year. The devotional readings are each a few pages long, and they draw out key ideas from the different Scriptural texts about the transfiguration, taking each section in turn. Each day's reading ends with reflection and meditation opportunities. Some of the readings end with additional Bible verses, and others share quotes from church history.

I found this book encouraging and clarifying, and I would recommend it to people who want to understand more about the Transfiguration and its significance to the Christian faith. However, I personally would have preferred this if it had been a straightforward study of the topic, without all of the breaks and repetitive elements of devotional readings. I think that the devotional format is better suited to different reflections on a related theme, rather than exposition through biblical narratives. Nonetheless, this will be a great fit for people who want short daily meditations on the subject.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Tim Chester's practical theology books. A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission Around the Table, You can pray, The Busy Christian's Guide to Busyness, Gospel-Centered Marriage are all excellent, with high marks. I would dare say that there are quotes and ideas in each of those books that have changed my life.

Unfortunately I do not feel the same way about his devotional books - I tried the Advent devotional The One True Gift: Daily readings for advent to encourage and inspire and it was...not good. I felt the same way about this particular Lent devotional. I think Chester shines with taking theology and making it immediately practical and applicable to everyday life, and less with exposition, and particularly with devotionals. It wasn't heretical or anything, but there was very little that was impactful or memorable from this particular book.

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Our Radiant Redeemer compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

Our Radiant Redeemer is a lovely Lenten devotional by theologian and author Tim Chester. This devotional is unlike traditional devotionals that often contain many pages for readers to peruse each day. Rather, Our Radiant Redeemer contains brief meditations to help readers behold the beauty of Jesus as Easter approaches.

This book has been so helpful to me because it’s helped me make some whole Bible connections that I hadn’t previously made. I’ve been excited to read a meditation each morning knowing that my affections for Christ will be stirred and that I’d learn something new about the links between the Old Testament and the Transfiguration of Jesus.

Each reading concludes with a meditation that is the lines of a song, prayer, or passage of Scripture. Our Radiant Redeemer has left me more in awe of Jesus and His glory and has quickly and easily become one of my favorite Lenten devotionals. If you’re desiring to grow in both head and heart knowledge this Lenten season, I highly recommend this book. If your library utilizes Hoopla, you can listen to the audiobook for free!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We become more like Jesus- we’re transformed into his image- by looking at his beauty. Looking at Jesus leads to being captivated by Jesus, and this in turn leads to becoming more like Jesus. We’re changed by contemplating the glory of Jesus.”

Thank you to The Good Book Company for this gifted copy of the book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Tim Chester has written a wonderful devotional to draw us closer to the Savior during the season of Lent. He focuses on the transfiguration of Jesus that can be found in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9. Each week of Lent begins with a scripture describing the transfiguration of Jesus and is followed up by a daily devotional referencing that scripture. Each day concludes with a meditation for further reflection and prayer.

I found this to be a comforting, encouraging, and beautiful book that does indeed fix my eyes upon the glory of Jesus. I highly recommend it not only for the season of Lent, but as a devotional to be enjoyed at any time of the year.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where can you find the light of Christ? In Our Radiant Redeemer, Tim Chester takes you through Lent devotions on the transfiguration of Jesus.


A Guide to God

Like a true daily devotional, this book provides 47 daily reflections to be read from the beginning of Lent to Easter Sunday. Chester takes you by the hand as a guide who has seen God in his Word. You will see the person, words, love, passion, and victory of Jesus.


The Glory of God in Christ

What this book surprised me with is how well works as a Bible study. Chester asks good questions of the text and causes you to find the biblical answers. You will be transformed as you take God’s word to task. This book will beautifully show you the glory of God in Christ.


I received a media copy of Our Radiant Redeemer and this is my honest review.

[James Tidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this series of Lent devotions, which I read on YouTube, Tim Chester looks at the Transfiguration of our Lord under the title Our Radiant Redeemer.

This series of readings covers the forty-six days of Lent and finishes on Easter Sunday.

I found it a great comfort to read aloud on YouTube, and many found it also a great source of comfort, as they journeyed, like myself, through the forty-six days of the Lenten period.

[Peter Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little sceptical before I started this book: a lent book on the resurrection seemed unusual and unrelated. However, I was proved wrong. This is one of the best lent books that I have read.

One of the main purposes of a lent devotional is to point us to Jesus and to increase our devotion to Him. This book does that very well and I strongly recommend it.

[Ryan Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars This Lenten devotional includes some great insight on the Transfiguration and presents many truths surrounding it and connecting it with Easter well. However, the rhythm and cadence of the book’s structure seemed a bit disjointed at times. Additionally, some days felt like stretches to fill the pages. Overall, still worthwhile; maybe just not quite Chester’s best.

[Jason Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughtful but repetitive.

[Jill Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. A new look at the transfiguration which was such a blessing.

[Natalie Millican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this lent devotional. I would highly recommend it!

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found it a really helpful different lent devotional looking at the transfiguration itself rather than the traditional lead up to the cross.

[Raema · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Lenten study focusing on the transfiguration of Christ . Linking many other aspects of Easter through this lens. Will read it again next year.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. A great way to reflect on, and towards, the glory of our Redeemer and the future glory He has secured for His bride.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good daily devotional focused on the transfiguration of Christ leading towards the day of His resurrection.

[Gareth Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent unpacking of transfiguration, an area I hadn't looked at in depth before. will be using this again during Lent in the future!