The Serpent Scroll

Review by Julie Weslake

Grandpa Wesley gave Paul a Bible for his birthday. Paul reached for the golden box that had the "Prophet Kid's Bible." He knew Grandpa Wesley usually gave really cool presents. On the title page of the Bible, Grandpa had written, "May this Bible be your constant companion, bringing the Word of God alive for you and drawing you near to the heart of Jesus."

This was not an ordinary Bible but one that really pulled Paul into its story. The word "Jesus" was written in red and, as Paul opened the Bible, he found the word "serpent" in Genesis 3:14 was also written in red. Paul, his sister and his brother placed their fingers on the red word and were spiralled into experiencing the first serpent story of the Bible-Eve being tempted in the Garden of Eden. It was as if they were really there, watching the story unfold.

Written by Pastor David Edgren, former associate editor of Record , now working as a chaplain and pastor in Melbourne, The Serpent Scroll leads children through an exciting and imaginative study of "serpent" passages in the Bible. Chapters include the fiery serpents and bronze snake of Numbers 21:4-9; Jesus talking to Nicodemus in John 3; Jesus praying in the Garden in John 18; Jesus' death on the cross in Matthew 27; and the dragon story in Revelation 12. He covers the sanctuary, the Holy Place, the birth of Jesus, the importance of prayer and Revelation's depiction of war in heaven.

The appendix introduces children to using a concordance, suggests other word studies children could take in the Bible and invites them to write more chapters of the book. At the end of each chapter are three thought questions for adults and children.

They are designed to help readers understand what they have read and apply it to their own lives. After the last chapter, Edgren asks: "Who would be proud of you if you read the Bible?" "What have you learned about the Bible that you didn't know before?" and "What have you learned about God that you didn't understand before?"

Edgren is well known for his skills as a storyteller. He enjoys telling stories to children in schools, camps, churches and special events.

He wants the Bible to come alive to children, so they will remember the wonderful things God has had recorded. He knows that narrative speaks loudly to heart and hopes every readers' heart will be connected to God's.

And Edgren is a minister and father, as well as an author. He has dedicated this book to his son Cyrus, who demanded to hear an exciting and "cool" story. He writes "This book is for you, Cyrus! Thank you for the challenge. You are worth every word, every paragraph and every moment of effort this book required."

I thank you too, Cyrus and Pastor Dave.

As I read The Serpent Scroll, I was drawn into the Word of God, and experienced a better understanding of the plan of salvation and the battle for my soul. I saw the Bible through the eyes of the children-the adventurers in the story-and through the questions they raised. It made me want to know the Bible better and challenged me to spend more time studying to explore all the wonderful stories it holds.

I was caught up in the emotion of the Genesis story with Paul's sister, Hannah, as she cried out, "Eve, don't listen to him. He's a liar." I was thrilled at the miracle of healing when the children of Israel looked at the bronze serpent Moses placed in a high place, and the frustration of a small boy who was healed but couldn't convince his bitten father to go and see the bronze serpent. I felt the hope when the children realised that the serpent, Satan, will be destroyed when Jesus comes back and takes his followers to heaven.

"‘I want to be there to watch!' James declared passionately.

"‘So do I!' both Hannah and Paul said together."

Children will be captivated by the message of this book, and it will lead them to love and worship God. This is a book that will help children want to start their own exploration and study of the Bible. I hope many parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts read this book with their children and help them secure a strong connection to God.

The Serpent Scroll: Adventures in the Bible
David Edgren
Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2009, paperback, 128 pages.
Available from Adventist Book Centres, price $A24.95, $NZ33.95.

This is a review from Record, May 23, 2009.

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