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In Stieffel’s work, a guide map is provided for today’s man to follow, equipping readers with the tools to resist the vices and temptations that run rampant and embrace the greatness through the Lord that they were intended for. The author does a commendable job of weaving in his commentary and referencing modern-day anecdotes to help create a direct linkage between the particular biblical figure being discussed and how their story applies to the modern man. The result is a product with plenty of intrigue because of its ability to educate through the sharing of scripture while simultaneously showing each figure's human side, making them instantly relatable.
This anthology of short stories and commentary on men of the Bible begins with Jacob and a poignant yet timely verse from Romans 9:15: “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy.” From the get-go, there is a clear understanding that the most recognizable names from the Bible are not infallible. In fact, men like Jacob are the ultimate recipients of God’s mercy because he spent much of his early days committing treacherous acts and exhibiting an incredibly tenuous relationship with his brother. The scene where Jacob asks for Esau’s birthright in exchange for some stew is mind-numbing yet perfectly captures Jacob’s selfish nature at the time. Nevertheless, the author has a knack for highlighting how each figure comes full circle and fills his heart with the pure love of God.
Stieffel reflects on his own experiences with his four brothers, growing up playing ball, wrestling, etc., to demonstrate how a brother is meant to fight adversity, not be the adversity. This interplay between his own experiences and the connection to scripture adds a dynamic flow to the work that keeps readers turning the pages. What makes this work meaningful is that while readers stay engaged with strong storytelling, they learn a lot about the Bible without the denseness of reading it, prompting readers to want to read and learn more.
For every figure described in the work, there arrives an inflection point, a moment where God’s mercy is bestowed upon them in a way that changes their worldly and spiritual existence. For Jacob, it is meeting Rachel as she is tending her family’s sheep. While he works for her family without any expectations of monetary payment, Stieffel highlights the modern generation's mindset of the “ends justify the means” and whether they get something out of it. The example he uses of healthy men declining to help with post-hurricane clean up because there’s nothing in it for them is flabbergasting but also reality. Men today are in a spiritual slumber, with only dollar signs being their driving force. Yet, as the stories of Joseph, Sampson, etc. convey, when God is working through you, you are in your purest form and can rise above vices, prejudice, and short-sightedness. The author’s recollection of helping someone at the gas station following a Billy Graham speech is especially thought-provoking. The author thinks he is doing such a great deed by helping a very needy man, but in reality, he realizes the greatness of man when God is working through him.
Prominent biblical passages such as David slaying the Philistine Goliath provide a strong sense of familiarity to readers, but within the various narratives, it is the “lessons to learn from this” portion that really becomes a unique opportunity to reflect and understand what the Bible has been trying to say all along in terms of the need for men to rise to greatness. Channeling both an author’s talent for storytelling and resonating with today’s modern man, Stieffel’s work is a meaningful read that presents an ideal way for youth to connect to their faith and walk in the light of God.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review