Invitations to Abundance
What is there to find in the feasts from the Bible? In Invitations to Abundance, Alicia J. Akins shows us how the feasts of the Bible nourish us today.
Culinary Time Travel
In 12 chapters and just over 200 pages, Akins has written a wonderful and worshipful tour of the feasts in God’s Word. It is a fascinating read, and I found my heart full and filled with delight.
The book opens with a look at Passover, and Akins provides the setting of the plagues. By using the concept of “culinary time travel,” we taste and smell the passover lamb, the unleavened bread, and the bitter herbs. We are shown that this feast of remembrance is for all generations.
The Feast of Booths
Well known feasts, such as the “Feasts of Mercy” in Luke 14:21-22 are explained. More obscure feasts, such as those in Isaiah 25:6 and Jeremiah 31:14 are also discussed. The Lord’s Supper deservingly gets its own section. Each chapter ends with a liturgical prayer to lift your gaze towards God.
In God’s sovereign timing, I read the chapter on Sukkot as I prepared to preach on John 7:1-24 and the story of Jesus at the Feast of Booths. Akins gave me the background I needed to understand and appreciate the feast in more detail. It led me to worship.
Come and Invite Others
I was most happy to see Akins include Psalm 23 in her book. Specifically, the passage on how God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. She connected the Psalm to the story of the cross. Seeing it as a scene of victory brought comfort and assurance to my soul.
The book ends with a look at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19. We learn about Jewish weddings and the unique significance found in the bride and bridegroom -- as well as the wedding venue. There is still room at the table. We are beckoned to come. And we are called to invite others.
Never Go Hungry Again
This book would be perfect for pastors who want to see deeper spiritual significances in the feasts of the Bible. Small groups can work their way through this book to trace the theme of food throughout God’s Word. You will find enrichment and enjoyment as you read this during your personal devotions.
This book is a banquet. It is brilliantly theological and beautifully devotional. You will see how God provides for his people. You will celebrate and sing. You will see Jesus, the bread of life. Come, eat for free, taste and see, and never go hungry again.
I received a media copy of Invitations to Abundance and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.