And the shofar blew review: Buildings, ego and a Humpty dumpty fall

Ever since I discovered Francine Rivers and her writing in secondary school, I’ve been hooked. I’ve never read a Francine Rivers book that didn’t minister to me or reveal some nasty things about my heart that made me want to change.

Sometimes I read her book and start speaking in tongues and cry-praying. Yes, it’s that deep. I never expected fiction to be as powerful as when I got introduced to Haddasah in A Voice In The Wind ( the first Francine Rivers book I read). Since then, I’ve been on a mission to read all her books! So far, I’ve read 11 with about 12 to go.

I added, And The Shofar Blew to my 2018 reading list at the start of the year because it’s one of her famous books I hadn’t read.

I didn’t know what to expect when I read the overview of the book, but I was half-expecting to see Hadassah’s name ! That’s what a captivating trilogy does to you! Real Francine fans know what I mean.

About ‘And the shofar blew’

The story of a dynamic young preacher, committed to building his church–but at what cost? Paul Hudson seemed like the perfect pastor to lead Centerville Christian Church and Eunice was the perfect pastor’s wife. When Paul accepted the call to pastor the struggling church, he had no idea what to expect. But it didn’t take long for Paul to turn Centerville Christian Church around. Attendance is up, way up, and everything is going so well. If only his wife could see it that way. Still, he tries not to let her quiet presence distract him. But Eunice knows that something isn’t right and it hasn’t been for a long time… Eunice closed the bedroom door quietly and knelt beside her bed. “I am drowning, God. I’ve never felt so alone. Who can I turn to but you, Lord? Where else does a pastor’s wife go for help when her marriage is failing and her life is out of control? Who can I trust with my anguish, Lord? Who but you?” Grasping her pillow, she pressed it tightly to her mouth so that her sobs would not be heard…

Let’s just say hmmm x3

I kept putting this book down a lot because I didn’t particularly appreciate how things were going. But unable to deal with the suspense, I’d pick it up again.

The first time I met Paul Hudson, the main character, he was a sweet guy, an Assistant Pastor at a church who also taught a Bible foundation class.

At first, he’s a doting husband and father who cares about the people he disciples. He’s also a leader who seeks God’s counsel before making decisions. For him, shepherding a church is a passion born out of his love for people who desire to know God and his passion for Abba.

Or is it?

Because his story gets a U-turn when he’s called to shepherd a congregation of the elderly whose lead pastor fell ill, then we see him moving way faster than God. Suddenly, he feels the need to measure up to his father, who owns a huge church.

He decides he will build a big church for “God’s glory.” And in the process, family time goes out the window and his wife is in anguish with no friends. He stops getting counsel from the elders in the church and replaces them with ego-boosting ones who do not have a relationship with God.

It gets so messed up, way messed up.

All because of a building.

It wasn’t a bad thing, but his intentions were.

It was a sad read and reminiscent of King David. One day he’s everyone’s #goals and a man after God’s heart. Then one incident finds him in a place he shouldn’t have been, with a woman he shouldn’t have been with, and like a stack of dominoes, it leads to even more sins that make things turn sour.

But King David was quick, at least quicker than Pastor Hudson, in realizing his error and turning away from his evil ways.

From the reader’s view, it is easy to see where it all went wrong and how Pastor Hudson was blinded by his insecurities, wanting to measure up to his father, who wasn’t nearly as perfect or close to being the god he had made him be in his mind.

Sha, in the end, the Holy Spirit arrests him, if you know what I mean LOL. Think Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus—yep, that dramatic.

Okay, let me stop before I rewrite the whole book.

See Also: An unending story of hope: Irede book review

The major lessons I got from And The Shofar Blew

Although ‘And The Shofar Blew’ is about a young pastor who gets it all wrong and finds his way back to his First Love, the experiences are relatable to everyone on this faith walk.

Accountability

The most significant mistake pastor Paul made was replacing the elders with people who weren’t submitted to God, people who would oil his ego and tell him only what he needed to hear.

But that’s the sin way abi? We’ve all probably been there—I know I have. That is, complaining about certain stuff to certain friends because I know they will support my bad decisions, instead of telling the one friend I know will say the truth.

It takes maturity and the desire for growth to surround and submit yourself to people who make you better.

Transparency

Transparency has healed me. Not every time, “perfect, perfect”. I know there are faith declarations, but while that’s good and beneficial for you, transparency also brings healing to many.

I feel like Pastor Hudson would have dodged a major bullet if his parents had been transparent about their ministry, at least to him. But they were making themselves seem perfect, and he inadvertently set them on a high pedestal. So high that he (Paul’s father) could never humble himself to admit his fault.

I know that it’s sometimes hard to admit we aren’t perfect, especially when we’re in leadership positions, but we ought to let go of that pride.

I’ve been healed by people who admitted their struggles and talked about how they didn’t have it together and had to keep depending on God for sustenance. It wasn’t that their weakness made me happy, but some of my burdens were lifted in knowing that I’m not doomed or a difficult case, and I’m on the right track if I keep depending on the Holy Spirit for help.

God first

“God first” is way more than a slogan or social media bio. No shade.

But seriously. Seeking God in everything, from the little things to the big things, keeps us aligned with His will and our hearts in check.

His story made me think of this verse:

“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” –Proverbs 14:12. NLT

Grace and humility

And The Shofar Blew doesn’t only tell of Pastor Hudson’s self-adulating ways. It also speaks of God’s grace and redemption. The story is never complete without His redemption.

I went from disliking pastor Hudson so much to my heart breaking for him when he came back to his senses. Because I’ve been there, going off on my own, doing my own ITK, and making excuses while at it. I’ve known what it’s like to live an empty meaningless life and what it’s like to be redeemed by the power of God’s love and be given another chance.

I read his redemption with a big sigh and teary eyes because I could relate in my heart of hearts. He might have been trying to build a church for God, but I’ve also tried to make things that God didn’t ask me to.

And maybe I shouldn’t have judged him so harshly because it’s not even like I’m spotless.

BUT STILL!

He was annoying for most of the book, and I just wanted to knock his head.

Anyway, I really loved his humility towards the end and his decision. Indeed, he was reminiscent of King David.

Where to get

I got this from a bookstore in Lagos. But it’s available everywhere books are sold. Amazon has it, and Roving Heights has some Francine Rivers books. Or just check a local Christian bookstore.

So, will you give this a try? If you’ve read this, let’s gather in the comment section and rant about how I hoped Eunice would leave him and never go back.