A Book Review from Books At a Glance
by Kristin Stiles
“Do Great Things for God” is a series of biographies created to instruct 4–8-year-old children about the lives of Christians who have had an impact on building God’s kingdom. This latest title focuses on John Knox the Scotsman who had a tremendous ministry in his home country and beyond, and one that lives on today through his writings. None other than fellow Scotsman, Sinclair Ferguson, has picked up his pen to author this delightful book.
Ferguson introduces us to young John Knox who is in a quandary about what he wants to be when he grows up. He pursues his interests in the law, religion, and education, but he doesn’t find peace and satisfaction in those. Despite the many good things he was doing, he was uncertain about his eternal destination. In the Bible, he discovered God’s plan of salvation and trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. This marked a radical change in his life. He started preaching even though there was rising persecution among Christians at this time. At one point, he is taken captive by French soldiers and forced to row a warship for 19 months. Later, he flees from Queen Mary who is killing Protestants, and goes to Germany and then on to Switzerland. When he can finally return to his homeland, he still is out of favor with the monarchy, but he is able to preach and write and encourage the believers around him until his death.
Through the use of simple language and delightful illustrations, Ferguson and artist Cecilia Messina bring John Knox to a new generation. The storyline is easy to follow, and there is plenty of information presented in a way that is memorable and interesting to young ones.
Following the narrative, there are several additional sections that add to the story. Parents will find: Questions to Think About; a timeline; a world map; and a QR code/link to free resources that can be printed to help your child “interact with John’s story.”
This is a wonderful addition to a wonderful series. It is important that our children become familiar with those who have gone before us. We all can learn much from their lives, and we can be encouraged in our walk with Christ. Start now, familiarizing your children with wonderful Christian role models!
Kristin Stiles is a home-school mom, a Sunday School teacher, and helps lead the “Young, Reading, & Reformed” children’s ministry at Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia, PA.