Christ in the Levitical Offerings by J M Flanigan; published by and available from John Ritchie Ltd; 96 pages. Price £7.99. (9781907731266)
In his preface to Christ in the Levitical Offerings, Eddie Taylor expresses with regret a view held by many that some Christians see little to appeal in a consideration of the principal offerings God required of Israel. In part this is due to the limited amount of time so many are prepared to devote to reading systematically the Word of God. Not only is the Old Testament often neglected, but so too are important books like Hebrews, the reading of which would whet the appetite for a consideration of the Offerings detailed in Leviticus. The other factor that cannot be ignored in explaining the neglect of the Offerings is the lack of teaching related to the death of Christ.
Christ in the Levitical Offerings provides in 96 pages a valuable introduction not only to the five principal offerings in Leviticus 1-7, but also to the drink offering, the wood offering, and the offering of the red heifer to deal with the contracting of defilement. Also included are chapters on the consecration of priests, the Day of Atonement, and the cleansing of the leper. All who are familiar with the author’s other works will know to expect a warm Christ-exalting ministry written in readily-accessible prose. Within the scope of 96 pages there are many profitable themes that the diligent reader will wish to pursue.
The author sets out in his first chapter his authority for finding Christ in the Levitical Offerings. He observes that Christ Himself began at Moses and all the prophets as He opened to them "things concerning himself" (Lk 24.27). Towards the end of the book, he comments: "Many there are today whose comprehension and apprehension of the work of the cross may be very limited"; he then adds: "… but our cleansing and acceptance before God is not dependent upon our knowledge. It is God’s estimate of Christ and Calvary which assures our salvation". This perspective ensures that young and old can benefit from Christ in the Levitical Offerings.
TW
The Life and Times of Charles Henry Mackintosh by Edwin N Cross; published 2011 by Chapter Two and available from John Ritchie Ltd; 233 pages; price £19.99. Special Offer £14.99(9781853072468)
Apart from a few brief sketches here and there, this is the first significant biography of Charles Henry Mackintosh since his death in 1896.
Charles was born in 1820 at Drumgoff barracks in County Wicklow. While still a teenager, in 1838 he was influenced by J N Darby’s book Operations of the Spirit and was especially helped by the statement, "it is Christ’s work for us, not his work in us" that gives peace.
C H Mackintosh left the established church in 1839 and records, "I…took my place at the table in Dublin. As a young man I, of course, walked in retirement, having no thought of coming forward in public ministry of any kind". There was no cocky, conceited arrogance exhibited, but a lovely commendable spirit of humility which surely enabled him to be greatly used in the service of the Lord throughout the unfolding years. In 1843 he wrote his first tract Peace with God. A year later he opened a day school in Westport, County Mayo with his sister.
In the chapter "The Ready Writer" the reader learns that C H Mackintosh had the gift of explaining in simple terms what he had enjoyed from men like Darby and Bellett, and his writings became so well known that only his initials CHM were printed on the title pages of many of his books. Above all "his ministry was immensely practical and real". C H Spurgeon in his catalogue of Bible commentaries states that CHM’s Notes on the book of Genesis are "precious and edifying reflections".
At the end of his life CHM wrote how the Lord was enabling him to "realise in a very marked way, the preciousness and power of all he had been writing and speaking about". He exclaimed, "I am happy in the Lord".
At the funeral of C H Mackintosh, WTP Wolston stated, "Silver and gold he did not leave, but a most precious heirloom". This quality volume contains many rare photos and is a fitting memorial to the rich legacy left by one to whom we owe so much.
AC
