INTERLOPERS

Debut author Craig offers a focused look at the life of Joseph from the Book of Genesis and the negative events that helped prepare him for his greater purpose.

The author notes that although setbacks often have the potential to derail us completely, “The process through which we can be prepared for higher callings and responsibility is directly related to the challenges, obstacles, and even people we encounter on this journey of life.” Craig calls these challenges “interlopers” and asserts that they’re crucial to one’s spiritual development and maturation, and can even help prepare one for a higher calling. He relates this idea to the life of the biblical figure of Joseph, who faced several difficulties that ultimately culminated in his being promoted to a place of power, authority, and great influence in Egypt—second only to the Pharaoh himself. Craig effectively walks readers through the low points in Joseph’s life, from his betrayal by his brothers to his unjust imprisonment, gleaning examples and insights from each situation; in this way, he demonstrates the sometimes-zigzagging process by which God leads people to places of greater influence and responsibility. Overall, this book will appeal to Christians looking for encouragement from a popular biblical character’s story. Those who are interested solely in the life of Joseph, however, might want a more in-depth book, as this is a relatively concise read that uses the scriptural story mostly to illustrate a specific point. The prologue by Union University biblical studies professor R. Kelvin Moore states that the book will “make readers want to read and reread the story of Joseph and God’s providence,” and this is probably true, although it lacks much original insight on its own.

An easily digestible commentary on the life of an inspiring biblical hero, offering hope to those facing their own “interlopers.”