I’ve had a huge appreciation for author Jared Wilson ever since his book Your Jesus Is Too Safe: Outgrowing a Drive-Thru, Feel-Good Savior came out a few years ago. This, coupled with the tweets and blogposts that drip Gospel gold, meant that when I received his latest book, Gospel Wakefulness I knew I would be in a for a huge treat.
In recent days, certain places in evangelicalism have seen a growth in all things Gospel-centered. Conferences that attract large numbers of pastors center on the basic message of the Gospel. And, while many understand (rightly) that the Gospel is for those who don’t have a relationship with God, the Gospel is so much more. The Gospel is the message the church most desperately needs. In many ways, Gospel Wakefulness tells Wilson’s story: how he went from serving in Bible belt churches to being captured by this central message of Christianity. The result has been a profound effect in both his life and ministry.
As Wilson weaves this book together under the heading of Gospel Wakefulness, he helps you and I realize that OUR greatest need is the Gospel. He opens the book defining what he means by Gospel Wakefulness, then unpacks how this relates to themes like humility, brokenness, worship, spirituality, sanctification and even depression. He applies it both individually and corporately. This truth is meant both for today and for our future.
Time and again in reading this book my heart was crying out, “Yes!” In many ways, Gospel Wakefulness is my story and yours. I heartily commend this. I wish I could get this in the hands of every person I know. What makes this book pack the wallop that it does is not Wilson’s words, make no mistake about it. It’s that his words point to the truth of first importance: the Gospel itself. Read and see if Gospel Wakefulness doesn’t come alive in your life as well.