John Piper, Lessons From a Hospital Bed. Wheaton: Crossway, 2016. 77 pp. $7.99
Lessons From a Hospital Bed by John Piper is a book for sick people. It is a book for people who face the prospect of death. That is to say, it is a book that deserves to be read by all people. For each of us are plagued by the curse of the fall (Rom. 5:12). And while we may enjoy a measure of health, each of us will stare death in the face at some point.
Lessons From a Hospital Bed grew out of two specific experiences the author had after being hospitalized himself. In Part 1, Dr. Piper discusses ten beliefs that he brought to the hospital:
1. The Bible is the Word of God and should be trusted.
2. God is good.
3. God is wise and knows everything.
4. God is totally in control.
5. Sin is the ugly origin of ugly disease.
6. Jesus Christ died and rose to save sinners.
7. Sickness is not God’s first design or final plan for this world.
8. Satan is real and cruel but not in control.
9. Healing is possible now and certain later.
10. Your life and your illness are not meaningless.
Piper presents each principle is a few short pages and provides the supporting biblical rationale for readers to consider. Indeed, these beliefs are rock-solid biblical pillars that every believer needs to revisit on a regular basis.
In Part 2, the author includes ten principles that he learned in his brief stay in a hospital bed. These principles truly get to the heart of the matter. They are practical and challenging and help encourage a robust biblical faith.
I commend Piper’s work to all people and trust that this little book will be received well. Each of us will face the grave one day. Piper’s work is sure to encourage people as they make their way to the Celestial City!
Veritas et Lux 