A Book Review from Books At a Glance
by Kristin Stiles
The Best Bath Ever is the second book in the Pictures of Gospel Grace series. The purpose of this series is to share stories from the Bible that are not as well known, in order to show children God’s saving grace as it is presented throughout scripture. In this book, the Old Testament story of Naaman, who was healed from his leprosy, is retold.
If this is an unfamiliar story to you, here’s a summary. Naaman was an important general in the Assyrian army that was trying to defeat Israel during the time of the judges. Naaman was very successful in his campaigns and seemed to have it all, but he suffered from the dreaded disease of leprosy. An Israelite slave girl, whom he had captured in battle and now worked in his home, told his wife about the prophet Elisha and how God worked miracles through him. In desperation, Naaman sought out Elisha with a caravan of gifts and treasures to pay for such a miracle. Elisha refused the gifts and wouldn’t even go out to speak with this Gentile himself, but instead sent his servant to instruct Naaman to wash seven times in the turbid water of the Jordan River. At first Naaman balked as such a demeaning process was communicated in such a seemingly disrespectful way, but his servants convinced him to acquiesce. God miraculously healed Naaman! In response, Naaman promises to only worship the one true God and to abandon all of his former idols.
Paul Tautges retells this story with simple language that is accompanied by action-packed, colorful illustrations supplied by Ingrid Sawubona. Then Tautges connects the details of the Old Testament story with the truths of the gospel. Like Naaman, we have a sickness that we cannot rid ourselves of (sin). Like Naaman, all of our efforts to remove the sickness on our own fail. Like Naaman, we have to humble ourselves and submit to the instructions of God to be cleansed from this sickness (repent and believe the gospel). And like Naaman, a true cleansing will affect our loyalties for the rest of our lives (turn from serving ourselves to serving God).
This Bible story is such a wonderful depiction of God’s grace. Naaman was an enemy of God and His people. He didn’t deserve to be healed. His attempts of trying to purchase/earn healing were rejected. He needed to be humbled and to submit to the command of the Lord. Then, he was washed clean. His allegiance was no longer to the idols of the past and his affections and obedience were now directed to the one true God.
This is really a wonderful book that is beautifully illustrated. Tautges goes to great lengths to explain how this story relates to the need that each of us has to be healed and cleansed. Your children will be drawn in by all the action depicted on the pages and how applicable it is to their own daily experiences. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
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.