BOOK REVIEW: HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS
AUTHOR: PASTOR JOAEPH ADELANKE ADEYOKUNNU
YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2019
REVIEWER: PASTOR BABATUNDE ADEDIBU, PH.D
The book is divided into Nine (9) Chapters, which can further be classified into four (4) main focuses, which are:
– Definition of Hope
– Biblical Models of Hope
– Prerequisites for Hope
– Experiencing Hope
Introduction
The author’s intent was established in the introduction of the book by quoting Psalm 121:1-2, which was a treasury of promise for suffering believers. This quote is set within the premise of contemporary challenges of social, economic and political dysfunction. As rightly noted, many live in despair, hopelessness and poverty. The author nearly convinced the reviewer that we are living in a failed state with vivid examples of the state of hopelessness comparable to that of a failed state.
The author rhetorically noted how can one find hope in such a hopeless world? (page xi). Interestingly, it is not entirely a picture of gloom and tragedy painted by the author, but it provides a vista of respite for the disillusioned, poor, sick and downtrodden by alluding to Jesus Christ as the hope of all generations. This perspective is predicated in John 16:33; These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Thus, irrespective of the existential challenges of believers, Jesus Christ is the hope for the hopeless.