"Our Great Redeemer: 365 Days with J. C. Ryle" ed. by Bryan Schrank. A Review

 

If you've ever stumbled across anything written by Bishop J.C. Ryle, who served as a minister in the church of England from 1841 to 1880, and Bishop of Liverpool from 1880 until his death in 1900, you know he can be helpful, hard-hitting, straightforward, and sometimes a bit wordy. And yet much of what he wrote is worth the time to read. Thankfully a new 385-page hardback devotional has surfaced that will give readers bit-sized doses of Ryle's thought. Bryan Schrank, executive director of Rescue the Preborn, has compiled a year-long devotional from Ryle's sermons and works in "Our Great Redeemer: 365 Days with J. C. Ryle."

Each day begins with a passage from sacred Scripture, normally a verse or so. Then the editor pulls out a portion of an exposition Ryle did on that verse. Then, at the bottom of the page there is the notation of the origin of the passage quoted. It's a very simple devotional. If only used by itself it may lack the necessary punch a soul needs. But if one is wanting to add a little relish to their morning repast of routine Bible reading, then this could be the thing!

There are little gems in this work, and some larger treats. For example, I chuckled when I was reading the installment for 3 October that has Ryle talking about Romans 15:13 and happiness. "Believers, if you would have an increase of happiness in Christ's service, labor every year to be more thankful...Alas, there is too much complaining and too little thanksgiving among the people of God! There is too much murmuring and coveting things that we have not. There is too little praising and blessing for the many undeserved mercies that we have. Oh, that God would pour out upon us a great spirit of thankfulness and praise!" and the quotation continues going down that trail. What made me chuckle - and I had to go look this up - is that these words and more came from his sermon, "Happiness" that he preached - not in 2024, but 1878! I thought to myself, "Wow! Nothing has really changed!"

"Our Great Redeemer" is a valuable and useful resource, one I would recommend to supplement your daily Bible reading. And while you're at it, go purchase a copy for your pastor, maybe one for each of your church elders or vestry members, and one for you and your spouse to read together. I honestly recommend this book.

Thanks to Reformation Heritage Books for sending me a review copy at my request. I used it for this evaluation. And I happily, and with free heart, give you my review.