Letters for Exiles
Faithful Living in a Faithless World
by Andy Lamberton
Ripped from his home and exiled to Babylon, Daniel stayed faithful to God in a faithless world. Through a series of letters, Andy Lamberton imagines how a mentor might have encouraged Daniel to stand firm despite the pressures he faced. We too are far from home, citizens of heaven living in a foreign land. And just like Daniel, we need wisdom and encouragement to help us press on. Letters for Exiles brings Daniel’s experience to life as his mentor, Abel, disciples and equips him — and us — to flourish in exile. Here the author answers a few questions about his book.
"Andy has written a wonderfully imaginative, theologically robust and pastorally encouraging book to encourage young people dealing with the complexities and challenges of life in post-Christian society. Inspired by the book of Daniel and its life-in-exile narrative, Andy has creatively woven the themes of resilient and radical discipleship expressed in those pages into masterful letters of exhortation and inspiration for 21st Century ’Daniels’ - young men and women who will not bow the knee to idols, confident in their sonship and capable of harnessing culture for the glory of God."
Alain Emerson: Director of 24-7 Prayer Ireland, Lead Pastor Emanual Lurgan, Author of Luminous Dark.
Why did you write this book?
I am more convinced than ever that Jesus is the only way. There is nothing on offer today that even comes close to the sense-making, life-transforming, sin-forgiving, future-securing, truth-revealing invitation from Jesus: to come and follow me.
Yet the world is changing. And it’s tempting to think that things are only going one way. But read the story of Daniel, and you will see, that while it would have been easy to think Nebuchazzer held all the power, it is the faithful choices of a few devoted disciples who change the course of history.
I wrote this book to give perspective. To give confidence, to encourage young Christians that when they follow Jesus they never miss out.
What gave you the idea for the book?
Daniel was young when he was taken, yet against the odds, lived a long high-achieving life. As you read, you have to ask: who inspired this wisdom, this ambition, this level of conviction we so desperately need in the church today?
As a youth leader, I began to wonder, who was Daniel’s mentor? and what would they say if I got the chance to interview them?
I was mentoring two young men at the time. I could see Daniel-like gifting in them; I could also see the pull of the world. I wanted Daniel’s mentor to disciple them. But not having time-travel at my disposal, I decided to do the study, enter the story and try to think through the kind of advice Daniel would have received in his younger days that stood him so well.
This book is a genuine attempt at that. Does it relate to our cultural moment? You’ll have to read to find out. I can only tell you I’ve tried my best to be as real and pure as I can. The letters are of course pretend letters. I hope you can pretend they are for you.
Who is this book aimed at?
With three sections and short chapters, this book is ideal for small groups, mentoring, as a present for someone going to University or if you want a deep-dive into how we follow Jesus in a changing world.
Included in the book are questions to think about, as well as ‘time to discuss’ to aid personal reflection and group study.
What are you hoping will come from this book?
The body of Christ needs grounded young people more than ever, to help us navigate the secularisation and fear of the coming decade. When I look at the church today I do see the flaking numbers and the same old prodigal stories but I also see an increasing number of deep young people, who understand their faith, who love God, and earth their ambition in the core principles of Christian living. I see Daniels everywhere who do not fear today's world but see the opportunity for mission, and seek the peace of their city.
If you’ve made it this far, you are probably one of them - or someone who wants to empower them. So, you can still buy the book, but let me tell you the whole point…
I'm glad to have the story of Daniel as an example, but I'm not daring you to 'be a Daniel'... I’m daring you to follow Jesus with all you've got. To live for the longer, truer story. Because following Jesus is always better, always worth it, and He is always with you. Welcome to the adventure.
Published by 10ofthose - folks can buy the book from their site (discount for buying 10 or more) or local Christian book store - https://uk.10ofthose.com/product/9781914966453/letters-for-exiles-paperback