Book Review: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

Title:  Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

Editor:  Nancy Guthrie

Publisher:  Crossway, 2009; 152 pp. $12.99

Recommendation (4-star scale): 

It is a common temptation to think too superficially and too rarely about the cross and the gospel.

The occasional evangelistic sermon, generally wrapped around a holiday celebration, along with an occasional communion remembrance is enough cross contemplation for many.

To think so rarely on the cross is to our spiritual detriment.  We need the cross.  Everyday.  We need the gospel.  Regularly.  Daily.

This book, edited by Nancy Gurthrie, is one I have been anticipating.  During December, I read a significant portion of her Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus — a compilation of essays about the Advent of Christ.  A couple months ago I read Be Still My Soul, a collection of essays about suffering.  Each of her previous two offerings were an encouragement to my heart, so I was looking forward to this book.

I was not disappointed.

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross follows the pattern of the other two books.  It is a compilation of essays taken from books, essays, and sermons from a variety of authors — some as old as Martin Luther, John Owen, and J. C. Ryle, others as recent as John MacArthur, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and Kent Hughes.  Each of the articles is an exposition of a portion of Scripture or theme related to the crucifixion of Christ.  Essays include topics like:

• “He Set His Face to Go to Jerusalem”
• “The Cup”
• “Then Did They Spit in His Face”
• God-Forsaken

There is variety and uniqueness to each of these essays, making it a book that I wanted to read — to keep turning pages and reading the next article.  But even better than the variety is the perspective and depth of each meditation.

Guthrie noted in her brief introduction,

How we need to have our hearts broken again by our sin that put Jesus on the cross.  How we need to have our confidence grounded by what Jesus accomplished on the cross.  And how we need to have our hope anchored in the promise of the resurrection.  I pray that is what you will experience as you read this book.

Her desire was delivered.

Read this book next Easter to prepare your heart for resurrection Sunday.  Read an essay or two each Saturday before a communion Sunday.  Read this book as a daily reflection on the significance of the cross.  Read this book because this book exalts the person of Christ and the power of the cross.