While at the New Life Bible Conference (which I hope to write more about soon), I picked up a copy of Iain Murray’s new biography,
John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock. I enjoy Murray’s biographies and like many others I was eager to get to know John a bit better. So, I figured a biography about MacArthur written by Murray would be win-win.
And I was right! Once again I enjoyed Murray’s uncluttered style, which seemed particularly appropriate for a man whose life has been marked by plainness of speech and love for the truth. The volume reads really smoothly and quickly. I regard myself a slow reader, but I was able to finish all but a few pages on the 4.5 hour plane ride from Chicago back to Cayman. A nice read for a cozy trip home.
Murray is careful to state that this biography is not exhaustive and that another writer (perhaps Phil Johnson) ought to take up a more complete study. So, the book really gives us the “high points” in MacArthur’s life, those moments and eras that were in many ways defining of the man and his ministry. We learn of his parents’ influence, his college years and days at seminary, of his early ministry at Grace Community Church, the development of Master’s and Grace to You, and of a few personal and theological crises that attracted MacArthur’s attention. Murray also gives us a “tour” of MacArthur’s writing along the way, giving particular attention to The Gospel According to Jesus, which sent seismic tremors through much of evangelicalism a couple decades back.
What emerges in Murray’s portrait is a simple man, faithful to the Bible and the truth, doggedly committed to teaching the word of God to the people of God. In other words, what emerges is a picture of pastoral faithfulness. Consequently, the volume repays eager reading by pastor and people. The pastor learns what he ought to be by MacArthur’s example, and the people learn both what to expect and how to support a faithful pastor.
I completely enjoyed reading the biography in part because I’ve long respected Dr. MacArthur. Along with R.C. Sproul, MacArthur was my first Bible teacher. Moreover, he was probably the first example of expository preaching I heard on a regular basis through the Grace to You radio broadcast. So, it was a treat for me to get to know more about this living hero.
There were two things, however, I wished the biography had spent more time developing. First, Murray gives about three paragraphs’ attention to MacArthur’s involvement in Civil Rights work in Mississippi in the 1960s. It seemed that Murray was unfamiliar with the importance of this period. For example, Murray referred by name to Charles Evers, brother of slain Civil Rights leader Medger Evers, but never named Medger! How could you not mention one of the first and most famous Civil Rights martyrs by name? And when he told of MacArthur’s presence along with Charles Evers and others when the news of Dr. King’s assassination came, it felt like a detached curiosity, an aside of slight historical note. So, the narration took on something of a distant feel, like a journalist reporting the news with disinterest.
But that’s not how I think of Dr. MacArthur’s recollection of those events. I first met Dr. MacArthur on the campus of Southern Seminary. We shared a short ride together from chapel to Dr. Mohler’s office. On that short ride–delayed for a few minutes as we waited for someone else in our party–MacArthur shared with me some of the details Murray covered in the book. I listened with rapt attention because (a) I care about that history, (b) John had clearly put himself on the right side of the issue at the cost of being jailed, and (c) you could still hear his passion and wonder regarding the time. And in the midst of all that, I could sense his continued focus on the gospel as the main thing while attempting to do the right thing. In an evangelical history marred by “racial” failures, we could have benefitted to hear more about John’s thoughts and part in that period–however small or imperfect.
Second, I wish something more of MacArthur’s graciousness could have been displayed for the reader. In fairness, Murray does this in many places in the book, and capturing something like graciousness must be a difficult feat for a biographer. But the one thing you never forget when you’re with John MacArthur is just how gracious the man is. When you’re in the room and he gives you attention, it’s as though you’re the only person in the room. He takes interest in your life. He’s humble by God’s grace. I’ve watched others come at him with passion while John smiles, speaks the truth, and gently cut through the tension like a knife through warm butter.
Again, I don’t pretend that this could easily be captured on the printed page, and Murray does give us some of this. I wanted more because I’ve had the privilege of experiencing it the few times I’ve been with John. When you leave the room with John, you don’t leave thinking, “That guy is really brilliant.” Or, “what a tremendous leader.” Or, “Hey, I hear this guy on the radio.” Or anything like that. You leave thinking, “I did not know he was so tender and gracious.” We’re accustomed to John MacArthur the truth warrior. A biography of this sort should go a long way toward helping us see how Jesus has made John to share in some of His holy meekness.
I heartily commend this book. Add it to your summer reading or your list of biographies worth enjoying.
