Now and Not Yet, Theology and Mission in Ezra–Nehemiah

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah have been neglected in Old Testament scholarship, but as Dean Ulrich demonstrates in this valuable study, new in the NSBT series, Ezra–Nehemiah as a literary unit is part of the Christian Bible that tells God’s grand story of saving activity. Now and Not Yet explores how the narrative theology of Ezra and Nehemiah shows us how to be a godly participant in God’s story, and how the moral imperatives of leadership are bound up in the larger context of God’s acts and promises: God’s redeemed community that is bigger than any individual person, and at the heart of this is mission – participation in God’s purpose for his world. Seeing these books as the record of the beginning of a new work of God among his people after the exile, Ulrich also illuminates how the theology of Ezra and Nehemiah connects to the larger biblical narrative and leads to the first coming of Jesus. Insightful and accessible, Now and Not Yet is a brilliant addition to the New Studies in Biblical Theology series. It is ideal for students, pastors and anyone looking for studies on Ezra and Nehemiah that dig deeply into their theology, particularly in relation to biblical mission. Now and Not Yet will leave you with a greater understanding of Ezra-Nehemiah as a literary unit, and how its theology is still relevant for Christians today – the new work it reveals enables God’s people to be restored in their relationship with God, through both hope in God’s promises and obedience to his instruction concerned with mission.

Publisher: IVP
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781789743463

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Dean R. Ulrich has earned doctorates from Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia and North-West University, South Africa. He has taught biblical studies at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, China Reformed Theological Seminary in Taipei, and the Dalton campus of Belhaven University. He is author of From Famine to Fullness: The Gospel According to Ruth and The Antiochene Crisis and Jubilee Theology in Daniel's Seventy Sevens and several articles. He lives in Rome, Georgia, with his wife and children.

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Have read through enough of "Now And Not Yet" by Dean Ulrich and here's what I like about the book:
- While an academic book, the title is very readable.
- Covers many topics in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
- Smooth transition from chapter to chapter - good flow of thought and is not choppy and disorganized.
- Like the references to common people in the two books (especially in a day and age when the Christian community focuses much on its "superstars" and not enough on the common and ordinary believers that are more representative of early and present Christianity).
- Mentioning the need for repentance (boy, don't we need this today!).
- Focus on God's mission for His people and the world.
- God restoring His people to Himself.
The book is an excellent aid for anyone wanting to learn more about the often-overlooked Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Also, very helpful for personal, Sunday School, or sermon preparation for messages/lessons on the two books. Highly recommended. Michael Taylor