Author Jordan Raynor succinctly and clearly articulates the gospel of salvation for young children and spells out what it means for their entire lives.
Raynor's children's picture book is structured in two sections. The first half focuses on people’s sin and the salvation Jesus offers. The second points out that God sends his Holy Spirit into the hearts of believers, radically changing how they live their lives. In an age-appropriate way, Raynor explains what this means: “And now you might think that our story is ending, / but in fact, this is just the beginning. / Because while your good works did nothing to save you, / they are what God’s Spirit gives you power to do.”
What might those good works look like? Raynor’s rhyming text portrays believing children thinking less of themselves and more of their families and peers, taking care of creation, welcoming a lonely peer, discovering the intricate mysteries of God’s creation, doing homework and chores in a way that honors God, and sharing the good news with other kids.
Raynor concludes, “Jesus loves you the same without your good deeds, / but I hope that by now you are starting to see / that the Spirit is not just for your salvation / but to help you do good for all of creation. / And when you show others the Spirit in you, / you’ll be doing the good that God saved you to do.”
Illustrator Jonathan Voss’s contrasting somber and spirited pictures, which feature children from diverse ethnic groups, portray the sorrow a child feels when doing wrong and the joy the same child experiences when accepting God’s forgiveness and doing the good works “which God prepared in advance” (Eph. 2:10) for his children to do.
The Spirit in You is recommended as an excellent addition to a family’s devotional collection. (WaterBrook)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.