Title: Simeon the Prophet
Author: Thomas Moore
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-4140-3484-3
Pages: 164
Genre: Inspirational
Reviewer: Margie Przybylski
Pacific Book Review
Author Thomas Moore’s storytelling flourishes in Simeon the Prophet, where a young man inspired to be a preacher instead becomes regarded as a prophet. Told from the perspective of his brother Johnathan, Moore dives into an interesting family dynamic between the golden child and the black sheep.
What stands out in Moore’s novel is the author’s dedication to the truth of God’s word. While the characters in the story each have their own problems and moral shortcomings, the author still manages to paint a ‘Norman Rockwell’ picture of a
respectable Christian home. The author tells the story through the plot rather than lengthy descriptions and fancy diction. Readers are left to infer what the narrator and his family members may be thinking or feeling. Simeon’s choices and how they affect his family and community add emotional depth to the work; we feel his parents’ heartbreak as well as his brother’s confusion. While Simeon does not explain his choice to leave home, the pain felt by his family members truly tears at the heart of the reader. Moore’s approach to character development invites readers to dig into their own emotions while reading, fostering a connection as if with old friends or close family.
Aspiring preacher turned prophet, Simeon struggles at his first attempt at delivering a sermon to his congregation. He is plagued by the memory of a dream. Rather than speaking from his carefully planned notes, Simeon takes a chance and begins to describe his dream. While he receives a mixed reception from his church, he continues to witness to them about his dreams. Simeon’s bravery inspires others to heed the Holy Spirit within their own flesh, to be bold about the truth and wisdom that we spend so much time learning about. Throughout the course of the book, Simeon’s revelations become more and more poetic, and delightful to read. We see him stepping into his role as a prophet, and we see his influence begin growing.
The novel ends with Simeon’s acceptance of God’s call to him – to turn down his dream of becoming a pastor. Moore does a beautiful job wrapping up this discovery. While the church offers him the position of pastor, Simeon must turn it down – not because it is his will, but because it is God’s. Many Christians struggle with choosing God’s will over their own; Moore uses Simeon’s character to awaken this idea in readers’ souls. Simeon allows God to choose his will, rather than continuing to force himself down a path that could lead nowhere. This is not an easy choice for any Christian to make; however, it is part of what God calls us to do. Moore’s work is a great reminder of this lesson and can be enjoyed by Christians young and old alike.
