Commendations for C. J. Williams' new book
The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job
The book of Job is a large and complex book, and many large and complex commentaries have been written on it. Many attempt to reduce the book to one main idea and to arrange all of their comments around that idea. Williams, on the other hand, while recognizing the complexity of the book, has decided to focus on one aspect that has received little attention in the commentaries. That is, how does this book relate to Christ? The result is a short, but profound, study of the Christological significance of the book of Job. I highly recommend it.
—Ben Shaw
professor of Old Testament, Reformation Bible College
Christ-centered interpretations of Job are out of vogue in much of modern biblical scholarship. By moving beyond the (albeit valuable) themes of suffering, theodicy, and divine sovereignty to the rich pastures of Christological typology, C. J. Williams combats this trend and shows that Job is a type (or “living prophecy”) of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Suffering Servant. Find here a devotional and doxological guide to one of the most ancient books in the sacred canon.
—Dr. Joel R. Beeke
chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
A winsome invitation to navigate a “Messianic trajectory” involving “the man from Uz,” this fresh study from C. J. Williams links such theological concepts as typology and Christology together with illustrative images like a covered bridge—actual and depicted. Anchored firmly in theology yet breathing with clarity, this pleasant volume shows how Job’s vicissitudes of life echo in anticipation of the Christ who descended from heavenly privilege only to be taken once again into eternal glory.
—Jonathan M. Watt
professor of biblical studies, Geneva College and Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Commendations for C. J. Williams' book
The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Lamentations
The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Lamentations is such an instructive and edifying book. Since reading it, I’ve recommended it to my wife, fellow faculty members, and my students. Now I gladly recommend it to you. One of the many remarkable qualities of Dr. Williams’s writing is his ability to communicate the meaning of Scripture in a way that addresses both difficult textual issues and thorny practical matters. Whether you are suffering from grief or loss, wrestling with the complexity of Hebrew poetry, or struggling to believe that God’s mercies are new every morning, this book will minister to you. Dr. Williams makes a compelling case for reading Lamentations in light of the hope and comfort that can be found in Christ alone.
—John Tweeddale
vice president of academics and professor of theology, Reformation Bible College
Williams offers insightful commentary on a book of the Bible designed to lead us from sin and suffering to comfort in Christ. Especially intriguing is his thesis that we often hear the voice of Christ in Lamentations, revealing the supreme and substitutionary sufferer. This is an excellent resource for preachers, teachers, and students of the Holy Scriptures.
—Dr. Joel R. Beeke
president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
C. J. Williams is a gifted scholar with immense pastoral insight, which is why The Shadow of Christ in Lamentations is a gift to the church. In these pages, we find a pastor ministering hope through words often viewed as hard and difficult, and we also find the scholar simply explaining how we may see Christ therein. Chapter 2, “The ‘I’ of the Storm” is worth the price of admission. This is not only a book that a pastor can give to his congregation, but he too will learn a great deal about how to preach Christ from Lamentations and also from the whole of the Old Testament. May this book further the glory of Christ as well as minister to hearts in need of the Balm of Gilead.
—Jeffrey A. Stivason
professor of New Testament studies, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Like his book on Job, this newest volume in this growing series by my friend and colleague, Dr. C. J. Williams, takes us into the mind of Christ as it is found in Lamentations. In the concise yet packed chapters of this work, gospel light shines brightly into the shadows of Jeremiah the prophet as he suffered for and wept over Jerusalem, revealing the One who would follow him and do likewise. As you turn the pages of Lamentations along with those of this book, you will be led into a spirit of devotion and worship for your Savior who gave so much for you.
—Barry York
president and professor of pastoral theology and homiletics, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary