A Song Of Ascents

A SONG OF ASCENTS

Author E. STANLEY JONES

Publisher FESTIVAL BOOKS

ISBN 0-687-39100-8

It is forty years ago at least since I first came across the writings of E Stanley Jones and this book was one of the first I read and was immediately gripped by the man and his message because it was filled with Christ.  He wrote it when he was eighty-three and was his third attempt at writing his spiritual autobiography.  His life and ministry were remarkable.  Some called him “the greatest Christian Missionary since St Paul.”.  There is a note that rings most wonderfully through all he wrote.  In these pages he expands on the various notes of his life and service and we hear a sound that quickens faith, love and hope.  His message centred on three words “Jesus is Lord”.  His story is never tiring and it carries the reader along into realms that are truly the Kingdom of God of which he preached so frequently.  I read this book again just recently to much, much profit and it confirmed again the value of taking time to read the many writings of this man.  The book is still available new, but there are plenty of second hand copies available quite cheaply.  His ministry of missionary/evangelist, best selling author, bringer of the gospel to those in high places in government throughout the world, endeavouring to bring reconciliation between world leaders and striving to help avoid the war between Japan and USA, his story will surprise those who have never heard of him.  He unashamedly writes of the spiritual, inner development he underwent as he walked on with God.  God granted him insight along the way, added note after note to his ‘song of ascents’.  There are twenty-five chapters in the book and they climax in these, “I sing of the divine yes,” “i sing of failures.” “I sing of health,” “My song of Laughter,” “Jesus is Lord,” and “What Life has taught me, so far.”  His zeal never flagged, he continued preaching almost daily, and often several times a day right up into his eighties.  He was brought to weakness early on and discovered resources in Christ Jesus that never dried up.  Some thought he went too far in some of his teachings and the attempts at outworking the reconciling work of Jesus among nations.  Why he is not read more widely nowadays I do not know.  His song is needed today and we all can all begin to hear that music if we read this book, almost four hundred pages though it may be!

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