J.C. Ryle, the 17th Century Anglican bishop, writes this in his book, The Duties of Parents: “You cannot make your children love the Bible, I allow. None but the Holy Spirit can give us a heart to delight in the Word. But you can make your children acquainted with the Bible; and be sure they cannot be acquainted with that blessed book too soon, or too well.”
Gloria Furman’s A Tale of Two Kings: God’s Story of Redemption embodies the wisdom of Ryle’s words. Furman’s beautifully illustrated picture book is—at its core—a biblical theology tale for children. She begins at the Creation in Genesis and travels to the New Creation revealed in Revelation. Her goal, along the way, is to point her young readers to Jesus—the greater than Adam King who redeems what Adam’s sin destroyed (Romans 5:12-21).
Furman’s book is a gift to families. It reminds kids (and their parents) that the Bible is one book from beginning to end. It’s a story told by one divine Author on one central subject: God’s redemption of sinners through the person and work of Jesus Christ. And this Jesus is the King our families need!
I’m thankful to chat with Gloria Furman today about her helpful book. I hope you are encouraged by her words here and in A Tale of Two Kings.
Nana Dolce: Gloria, thank you so much for your time today. Would you mind sharing a bit about yourself? Who are you? Where do you live? What do you do?
Gloria Furman: Hi Nana! I’m delighted to chat with you today. I live in Dubai, UAE, where my husband Dave pastors Redeemer Church of Dubai. I just started homeschooling our four active kids.
ND: Thank you! You have written several books for mothers, wives, and sisters in the church. What inspired you to write a book for children?
GF: Writing a book for children was a challenge! This topic—a comparison of Adam and Christ —is dear to my heart. I’ve grown so much through meditating on what Scripture says about it. Over the years I have loved discussing this topic with my kids and friends.
ND: We are familiar with Bible picture books that focus on a specific story in Scripture—for instance, David and Goliath. A Tale of Two Kings tells a bigger story that takes readers from Genesis to Revelation. Why this approach with children?
GF: I think we definitely need both kinds of books—books that dive deep into a specific story and books that give us an overview. When we learn the overarching themes in the Bible we have “aha” moments that help us see how everything fits in the big picture.
ND: Your book is based on Paul’s comparison of Adam and Jesus in Romans 5:12-21. This isn’t a passage we usually associate with a children’s lesson. It suggests that perhaps no part of the Bible is “off limits” when teaching gospel truth to kids. If so, how do we grow in clearly teaching more complex passages to our children?
GF: One of the ways we can grow in discipling our kids is in being willing to try to teach some of these complex passages. Kids ask some hard questions! Paul reminded Timothy that “from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). I wonder how many difficult questions Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice had to field as they shared their faith with little Timothy (2 Tim. 1:5)!
ND: Gloria, thank you for your time and for your encouraging work! As we leave, can I ask you how God has used this book as a means of sanctification in your own heart? And what is your prayer for families, teachers, and kids as they read it?
GF: As I mentioned above, writing for children was a challenge! I am thankful to have grown in my dependence on the Lord as I sought to serve children (and their parents) through this book. I’m praying that God would use this book to glorify his Son and grow and strengthen the faith of little ones (and their parents).
Gloria Furman is the author of several popular books, including Missional Motherhood, Glimpses of Grace, and Alive in Him. Gloria lives in the Middle East where her husband, Dave, is the pastor of Redeemer Church of Dubai.