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Fourth Dawn, book four of the A.D. Chronicles, presents a picture of Israel before the coming of Christ. The story follows reasonably faithfully the gospel of Luke by starting with the events leading up to the birth of John the Baptist. Fourth Dawn manages to be intriguing even though its reader likely already knows much of the story. During these already known events, the reader gets to experience the great madness that engulfs Jerusalem in the waning years of Herod’s rule. The Thoenes take readers one step further than the gospels do by presenting less of a historical account and more of a personal one. Already known and expected tragedies that befall characters still manage to strike the reader with force. We also follow Joseph, Mary, and her family as they struggle to deal with their ordeal as Mary is pregnant and unmarried. Again the Thoenes manage to strike a chord with the reader by reminding him that these are people who expected only to have a normal life, but who are instead thrust into the world of prophecy fulfillment. The inner struggle, unimaginable to most, is presented in disturbing clarity as Mary meditates on her situation, realizing at once that God is capable of anything and that she may never see her father or betrothed again. She is a true example of Christian courage as she accepts her situation, knowing God will see her through it to something greater. Perhaps the one question that impacts the overall refinement of this book is people’s response to the prophesies of the Old Testament. It seems in this book that all of Israel understands them and is constantly looking for the Messiah. Perhaps the reader is only allowed to follow those who are expecting this, however as there are Jews today who do not see those scriptures as messianic it stands to reason that there were those who doubted it then as well. It also seems doubtful that some of the prophesies referred to in the book would have been as fully understood as is presented, but in this case the Thoenes should be granted their poetic license. Overall Fourth Dawn is a book well worth the time it takes to read it. It will give anyone a greater appreciation for what these very well known characters experienced as they ushered in the time of Christ. Perhaps one last note to the readers, the prologue has an entirely different character from the rest of the book; don’t expect that the first several pages reflect at all on the next 250. Read Fourth Dawn with an open mind, fall in love with the characters, and be inspired to learn more about the history of the time.
Publisher: Tyndale Buy it now from our affiliate Bookstore CrossPurposesBooks.com
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