Longview Firefighter Publishes Book Connecting Old and New Testaments

A new book by Longview firefighter Jacob Ledkins seeks to bridge the perceived gap between the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Titled Road to Emmaus, the book addresses key theological questions and aims to illuminate the continuity of God’s message throughout scripture.

Ledkins, who has served as a firefighter in Longview, Texas, since 2010, explores complex topics such as Christophanies—instances where Christ is believed to have appeared in the Old Testament. He articulates how understanding these moments can reshape readers’ perspectives on divine salvation. The title of the book is inspired by a story in the New Testament, where Jesus converses with two disciples on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection, unveiling Himself and the connections to earlier scriptures.

The book delves into typologies, biblical figures that serve as metaphors for the salvation brought by Christ. Ledkins employs both Biblical texts and the original Greek and Hebrew definitions to provide deeper context and clarity. He believes that many Christians struggle with the Old Testament, often viewing it as a narrative of a wrathful God in contrast to the loving figure of Jesus.

“Many Christians don’t know what to do with the Old Testament,” Ledkins stated. “It’s often seen as when God was mean, and then Jesus came, and now God is nice.” He argues that this misconception overlooks the profound love and mercy depicted in the Old Testament, which includes God’s patience and long-suffering nature toward humanity.

Ledkins’ personal journey of faith began at the age of seven, marked by a vision he claims to have received from God. He has since dedicated himself to understanding ancient Near Eastern Semitism and Judaism, striving to read scripture in its original languages and contexts. This exploration has profoundly influenced his understanding of the Bible and motivated him to share these insights with others.

Insights from the Old Testament

The first chapter of Road to Emmaus focuses on the Angel of the Lord, whom Ledkins posits is a pre-incarnate form of Jesus. He argues that this figure played a crucial role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and performing miracles throughout their history. This interpretation is supported by various scriptures that Ledkins cites to illustrate his points.

Ledkins emphasizes that recognizing Jesus’ presence throughout the Old Testament enhances one’s understanding of God’s overarching plan for salvation. He believes that God was not reactive in sending Jesus, but rather had a consistent plan from the very beginning.

“The Bible becomes one big story—a love story,” Ledkins explained. He aims for readers to see the coherence in scripture, which can lead to a deeper love and knowledge of God.

Readers from diverse backgrounds have already engaged with the book. Ledkins notes that an Orthodox Jew in Dallas was surprised to discover that Jesus claimed to be the Jewish Messiah. He has also received feedback from atheists and those affiliated with religious denominations that question the deity of Christ, suggesting that his book challenges existing beliefs and encourages deeper exploration of faith.

The book was published on Easter Sunday, a timing that Ledkins attributes to divine intervention, as technical delays had pushed back the release date. He found it fitting that the book highlighting salvation was released on a day that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus.

Availability and Impact

Road to Emmaus is available on Amazon, with paperback editions priced at $17.99 and hardcover editions at $27.99. Despite being a new author, Ledkins hopes that his insights will resonate with readers seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible. He encourages those interested to search for the book by its title alongside his name, given that he is not yet widely recognized in the literary community.

Ultimately, Ledkins hopes that readers will not only gain a clearer picture of the Bible but also experience a transformative journey in their faith, recognizing the consistent character of God throughout scripture.