Description:
The risen Jesus meets us in our mess.
Jesus shows up where we least expect him--to Mary Magdalene in the garden, to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, to Thomas when he is full of insecurity. Just as the resurrected Jesus surprised his disciples, he also surprises us today, showing up in the midst of our sorrows, uncertainties, and joys.
In Unexpected Jesus, pastor Eric Rivera examines Jesus's appearances after his resurrection to show us how Jesus meets us today. Eric shares his own stories of God showing up amid financial uncertainty, pregnancy loss, a grim medical diagnosis within his family, and the unrest and uncertainty of 2020. Eric's insights will encourage readers as they look to meet God in their own times of uncertainty.
The same Jesus who was present with his followers meets us in our mess today. When we feel confused or abandoned, Jesus finds us. When he arrives, the master teacher meets us with questions and guides us into a revelation of who he is. And as we walk with him, he heals us and is faithful in his promise to be with us always.
Brief description: Eric Rivera (Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the lead pastor of The Brook in Chicago. He and his wife, Erikah, are also conference speakers with FamilyLife's "Weekend to Remember" getaways.
Review Quotes:
"I look forward to reading this book with people who don't know Christ, new Christians, and mature Christians in order to have important conversations about Christ's powerful and healing presence in our lives."
--Dennae Pierre, codirector, City to City North America and The Crete Collective; director, The Surge Network
"Unexpected Jesus is a smoothly written book perfect for anyone interested in a deeper, guided devotional read."
--Emanuel Padilla, president of World Outspoken
"Eric's fresh, insightful, and heartwarming accounts of the resurrection appearances of Jesus will bring help, hope, and healing to many."
--Colin S. Smith, senior pastor, The Orchard Evangelical Free Church; founder and Bible teacher, Open the Bible (openthebible.org)
"If you are feeling worn out, impatient, or battered by life, this book will be a comfort for your soul."
--David Robbins, president and CEO, FamilyLife