Gentle and Lowly

This is a book review of "Gentle and Lowly, The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Suffers" by Dane Ortlund.​1​ We are all included in the latter part of the title 'for sinners and suffers'.

In his introduction, Ortlund states the book was written "for the discouraged, the frustrated, the weary, the disenchanted, the cynical, the empty. Those running on fumes. Those who's Christian life feels like constantly running up a descending escalator" (pg13) Who can't identify with some or all of these?

Ortund writes in a gentle manner, draws his case primarily from scripture. He also quote from the great historical theologians such as Thomas Goodwin from the 1600's puritan age, Sibbes and Bunyan, who were an inspiration for pointing us to scripture, and painting a beautiful picture of the heart of Christ toward his children.

He starts the book in chapter 1 quoting Jesus in This is an overarching verse he explores and expounds on in the book. Matthew 11:28-30"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” How true! All Jesus is saying to us is "come to me". The author dives deep into the Greek meanings of the words "gentle" and "lowly"

Ortlund describes the word 'gentle' as "Meek, Humble, Gentle. Jesus is not trigger happy, Nor harsh, reactionary, easily exasperated. He is the most understanding person in the universe. The posture most natural to him is not a pointed finger but open arms,... and lowly" (pg19)

He describes 'lowly' as a person who is accessible. "for all his resplendent glory and dazzling holiness, his supreme uniqueness and otherness, no one in human history has ever been more approachable than Jesus Christ" (pg. 10)

Throughout the book Jesus' call continues to "come". My favorite chapter in this books was Chapter 9, "An Advocate" .​2​

Jesus is not only an intercessor but is also an advocate, before the Father. As I was meditating on this awesome reality of what Jesus is doing for us, I liken it to a court of law. Jesus is my defense attorney standing before the judge (The Father), pleading my case. He has won this case before it ever gets to court because of what Jesus did on the cross. I am forever grateful that Jesus is my advocate before God the Father.

The rest of the chapters reflect the different aspects of Christ's heart toward his people and really gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of the heart of Jesus toward his children.

I would recommend this book. It's a pretty easy book to read. However I found myself lingering and meditating on certain chapters, which resulted in taking longer to read the book. Enjoy!

Be well and stay healthy, my friends.

1.

Ortlund D. Gentle and Lowly, The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. Crossway; 2020.

2.

Ortlund D. An Advocate. In: Gentle and Lowly. Crossway; 2020:87.