Tony Merida is the author of “Ruth For You” a volume in The Good Book Company’s “God’s Word for You” series.
This post may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may receive a small commission if you purchase through our links. Thank you for supporting this ministry!
“God’s Word For You” Series
As Carl Laferton (the series editor) mentions in the preface, the aim of this series is to be Bible-centered, Christ-glorifying, relevantly applied, and easily readable. Each volume is written in such a way so that the reader may read, feed, and lead. In other words, this book could be read from cover to cover, or as a daily devotional, or as a resource that assists in preparation to lead others through the study of God’s Word.
These are not technical commentaries dealing with original languages or interacting with historical and recent scholarship. However, they are verse by verse expository guides to books of the Bible. Though not intended to be exhaustive in their interaction with the text, they are nevertheless quite thorough in their treatment of each verse.
About the Author: Tony Merida
Merida shows himself to be more than competent in rightly handling the Word of God. He is a pastor who peaches regularly and has written multiple commentaries, so he has certainly proven himself able to write for this series. His style of writing is very encouraging, easy to understand (these books are for anybody wanting to study Scripture, not just pastors and teachers), and Christ-centered. I especially appreciate that last aspect!
Layout and Content of Ruth For You
Each chapter is divided into two parts. As one works through the chapter, each verse is found in bold (making it very easy for those who are using this as a resource to teach). There are also bold headings that help the reader to know what each section of the text is about. I also like the added touch of the indented quotes found on some of the pages.
Each chapter includes questions for reflections. Now, please hear me out at this point! Many books provide questions at the end of a chapter. I am guilty of skipping over those questions at times because of how poorly they can be written (not always practical; sometimes too easy, sometimes too complicated; etc.). Merida writes out questions that are actually helpful and useful! Don’t skip over these.
Lastly, I just want to mention that there is a glossary included at the back of the book. Every now and then, the reader will come across a word that is gray, indicating that the word is found in the glossary due to it being a word that is not used in everyday language outside of the church. This can be very helpful!
One Drawback to Ruth For You
I have one small complaint about this volume, and it has nothing to do with Merida’s content. It has to do with The Good Book Co.’s decision to publish this volume as a paperback. I currently own every volume in this series, and they are all hardcover editions. I’m not sure what the reason was for producing this volume as a paperback, but I don’t like the switch. Not only is it a paperback, but it isn’t even the same height as the other hardcovers, so it really stands out on my bookshelf. My hope is that The Good Book Co. eventually publishes a hardcover version for the weird book-lovers like myself that desire uniformity.
I recommend this volume within the series “God’ Word for You”. I have come to love this series, and it is because of excellent volumes like this one by Merida. Tolle Lege, take up and read!
Other Book Reviews in the “God’s Word For You” Series:
- 1 & 2 Samuel For You
- 1 & 2 Timothy For You
- 2 Corinthians For You
- Colossians & Philemon For You
- Ephesians For You
- Exodus For You
- Galatians For You
- John For You
- Luke For You
- Philippians For You
- Proverbs For You
- Psalms For You
- Revelation For You
- Romans For You
- Titus For You
Related Book Reviews by The Good Book Company:
Disclaimer: My thanks to The Good Book Company for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
Leave a Reply