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Beginnings: A Gallery of Biblical Portraits
Book #1. Readers will find new life breathed into familiar Bible stories and characters as they read of God's dealings with His people throughout Genesis (The Book of Beginnings) as well as the Book of Job. Familiar biblical characters such as Adam, Eve, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph are recast in simple, yet elegant, story-prose that captures the imagination and rekindles appreciation of God's marvelous plan for His people.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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January 20, 2019
This series, entitled “The Story Teller” by Steve Stephens, sat on the shelf in our church library for years and they looked intriguing to me. Finally, I picked up the first one to read and fell in love with the beautiful poem-prose narrative. They are simple retellings of the Genesis stories, yet the words swirl around in a sort of colorful, magical mosaic.
Stephens isn’t the first to write imaginative accounts of bible stories, filling in details and elaborating or simplifying finer points here and there. But I loved his bard-like habit of substituting characters’ names for their signature qualities. For example, the Creator God is referred to as Garden-Maker and later on in the story as Promise-Keeper. Noah is Builder, Sarah is Princess and Joseph is Dreamer. This is also done to place names as well. Canaan is the Valley of the Apples; Egypt is the Land of the Deltas. Describing people and places as such gives the familiar Story a fresh take as well as a timeless feel. But it is still the same.
I found it wonderful to be reintroduced to these ancients of the faith and most especially, to read of the character of Promise-Keeper who never fails us. He gave me such encouragement of heart. If you’re wanting something that will help you understand the heart of God and His Word a little better, this is a great supplement. It is easy enough for children to understand, and adults will find a deep well of truth to rejoice in. I truly cannot wait to read the next installment, “Leaders”, followed by “Kingdoms”, and “Promises”.
Stephens isn’t the first to write imaginative accounts of bible stories, filling in details and elaborating or simplifying finer points here and there. But I loved his bard-like habit of substituting characters’ names for their signature qualities. For example, the Creator God is referred to as Garden-Maker and later on in the story as Promise-Keeper. Noah is Builder, Sarah is Princess and Joseph is Dreamer. This is also done to place names as well. Canaan is the Valley of the Apples; Egypt is the Land of the Deltas. Describing people and places as such gives the familiar Story a fresh take as well as a timeless feel. But it is still the same.
I found it wonderful to be reintroduced to these ancients of the faith and most especially, to read of the character of Promise-Keeper who never fails us. He gave me such encouragement of heart. If you’re wanting something that will help you understand the heart of God and His Word a little better, this is a great supplement. It is easy enough for children to understand, and adults will find a deep well of truth to rejoice in. I truly cannot wait to read the next installment, “Leaders”, followed by “Kingdoms”, and “Promises”.
Displaying 1 of 1 review