Book Review | Enjoying Jesus

By James Jeffery

Throughout my Christian journey, one of my greatest wrestles has had to do with the existential nature of the Christian life. That is, “What is the normative experience of a Christian supposed to look like? Is there even such thing as a ‘normative experience,’ or does every Christian relate to Jesus in a different way?” Acknowledging the truthfulness and inerrancy of Scripture has never been a battle in my heart. Rather, it has been to do with the nature of what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. 

Tim Chester frames the problem like this:

“What does it mean to enjoy a relationship with Jesus Christ here and now? I’m not asking what Jesus expects of you…I’m interested in what it means to have a real, living relationship with Jesus.” (p. 13)

Far from being an academic question, it was born out of Chester’s own striving with God and pastoral care of other saints. Chester opens the third chapter with a personal anecdote:

“In 2020 I had an emotional breakdown. …I had accumulated a logjam of repressed fear. I would often find myself with a clenched jaw, which I had to consciously unclamp. But my fears prevented me from recognising how fearful I was—otherwise I would have had to face them. Then the dam wall broke, and I was engulfed. I didn’t sleep for five nights in a row. My thoughts were a chaotic swirl. What does it mean to enjoy Jesus when you’re overwhelmed by fear?” (p. 47)

In moments like these, it is tempting to think that Christ has left us to struggle alone. However, nothing is further from the truth. The times we are most tempted to isolate ourselves from Christ are the very times He makes His presence and power most clear in our lives. 

Enjoying Jesus is comprised of 14 chapters which each consider one aspect of the character and works of Jesus Christ which Christians can both presently enjoy, and anticipate the fulfilment of in the New Creation. 

1. Enjoying the presence of Jesus.
2. Enjoying the compassion of Jesus.
3. Enjoying the shelter of Jesus.
4. Enjoying the touch of Jesus.
5. Enjoying the vitality of Jesus.
6. Enjoying the glory of Jesus.
7. Enjoying the delight of Jesus.
8. Enjoying the voice of Jesus.
9. Enjoying the connection of Jesus.
10. Enjoying the anger of Jesus.
11. Enjoying the intercession of Jesus.
12. Enjoying the reign of Jesus.
13. Enjoying the wealth of Jesus.
14. Waiting for the appearing of Jesus. 

Each chapter begins with a pastoral challenge (whether it be fear, guilt, shame, or isolation) and is followed by a devotional and doxological exposition of Scripture. Each chapter ends with an ‘Action’ point, directing believers to practically and experientially apply God’s Word. For instance, Chester writes:

“Any time you feel anxious this week, take a few minutes to consciously make Jesus your happy place. You might want to imagine him as a shelter in the storm or wrapping his arms around you.” (p. 57)

At first, I hesitated with some of Chester’s suggested actions. Maybe it was because I am accustomed to keeping an unhealthy degree of distance between myself and the Biblical characters who experience the loving kindness of Christ. It may also be because by nature, I sometimes over rationalise the truths of Scripture, as opposed to seeing them as God’s promises to me. Either way, I came to appreciate how raw and beneficial it is to contemplate the protective and personal care of Christ in everyday life.  

I praise God that in Enjoying Jesus, Chester helps Christians navigate their personal struggles by remembering that the same Jesus who showed mercy and grace to suffering sinners during His ministry on earth is the Jesus who ministers to His people today. Though we are fickle and frail, Jesus is unswervingly committed to us for all eternity. Indeed, undergirding the entire book is Hebrews 13:8, in which we read that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.” 

The Bottom Line

I am convinced that Enjoying Jesus is a book every Christian would do well to read. It is raw, humbling, soul-searching, and Christ-exalting. Enjoying Jesus is a devotional work which is suitable for all ages given its accessibility and length. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter will assist those using it in small-group contexts. 

For those who have wrestled with the experiential nature of the Christian life, it will be a comfort. For others, reading Enjoying Jesus will be a good litmus test to see how they are presently enjoying their loving Saviour. Regardless of who you are, my prayer is that you would find in Enjoying Jesus a treasury of wisdom to enrich your enjoyment with Christ.