Showdown with the Shepherd

“No, we mustn’t let the Israelites know what it can do. We have to wait until the right moment.” Hugh said.

“But you can’t do this,” Beth said to Hugh. “If you help the Philistines win, then all of history might change!”

Book: Showdown with the Shepherd (AIO Imagination Station Books) by Marianne Hering and Brock Eastman, Focus on the Family Publishers, 2011

Genre: Historical

Target Audience: Boys 13-18

Subjects: Faith, Good vs. Evil

Summary: Chasing the thief and troublemaker, Hugh, through history in the Imagination Station has now led Patrick and Beth to ancient Israel where the Philistines are plaguing Israel. When Patrick and Beth arrive, they nearly get eaten by a bear, but a young man with a slingshot saves them. The young man is on his way to the battle site between the Philistines and Israelites. He’s going to check on his brothers in the king’s army. When they reach the site, they find battle lines drawn but no actual fighting occurring. The Philistines are taunting and challenging and the Israelites, instead of responding, are cowering. Thankfully for the Israelities, the young man who saved Patrick and Beth now intends to save Israel. The Philistines have put out a challenge: send out your champion to face our champion, the winning champion is the winning nation. The Philistine champion is nine feet tall, but that’s not going to stop a young man with a bold faith! The only problem left is the one that only Patrick and Beth know of: Hugh. He intends to change history with a catapult and a kidnapping!

Notes: Showdown With The Shepherd is fifth in the Imagination Station Adventures series. This series is much like the secular Magic Tree House books but instead of wizards and magic it’s imagination and inventions giving them the different place/different time experiences. The radio show the concept is taken from is very solid – full of great spiritual elements and lessons and challenges as well as fun and excitement. Some of the books in this series lack much spiritual depth, but this one was full of spiritual elements. The characters are regularly turning to God for help in prayer and demonstrating faith and trust in God’s power and care for them. David’s faith is very confident and he encourages Patrick and Beth that God is watching out for them. This particular story focuses on the historical event of David and Goliath from the Bible.  
Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Samuel 17:47 – All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."