I came across Marty’s book through a list of books described as ‘shadow banned’, meaning those which are either unavailable online or are not recommended by your favourite book source due to 'provocative' content. Though in this case, to be fair, I managed to find it for sale normally.
So, after months sitting on my bookshelf of ‘upcoming books’, I thought it was the time to give the first chapter a go and folks, what a gem! With rich characters and just enough description to make the reader engaged, it’s a pity that this book is not a bestseller.
'Let them look west' tells us the story of Rob Coen, a journalist who – despite his low ambition and wish to be left alone – finds himself in an adventurous trip to Wyoming to interview a populist Governor.
The reader is invited to dream about the possibilities – what if politics was something that could make a difference? What if there could be a trustworthy politician who could inspire a Christian community to really be set apart and to mind their own business? What if the faith and dedication of a community could bring a spiritual transformation to the most unlikely of all persons?
As we read Rob’s story, he is curious about this community and how Governor James Alexander can motivate so many people to leave behind their materialistic ambitions to live sparsely – in peace and separated from the world.
As we progress into Rob’s deep dive into the routine of the place, it is unavoidable to wish for a happy ending – an ending where the journalist is inspired by what he sees and lives. We become invested in the wish of seeing this man – a nihilist and materialistic man – transformed.
The end of the book is sour and has a strong message. The scorpion indeed cannot avoid his nature and the transformation of one’s heart can only come from the Father himself, if He so wishes. It doesn’t matter how much energy it is invested into showing how much good can be done in the Father’s name. His glory can be obvious and all over the place, but the vessels of wrath will follow what they are 'programmed' to do.
Even after a journey of insightful and challenging conversations and the most polite demonstrations of trust from the Governor and his community, all it took to bring the journalist back to his nature was an anonymous helper – who is implied to be Satan – to give him the poison he needed to destroy the Governor. Ultimately, the scorpion, even if emotionally moved by the kindness he was surrounded by, did not hesitate to use the smocking gun that would catapult his career.
The burning question: Why should we even bother?
The dire reflection on one's mind upon closing the book is 'should I fight in this world that will sabotage anything pure and good?' or 'should I even care about showing the Truth to someone I know to be evil?'
The answer to both questions seems to be... yes.
As we watch Governor Alexander accepting the risk of allowing the journalist into his midst and sharing their lifestyle and faith, we can't help but wonder the reason behind his decision. He prayed to ask for counselling and in his heart he felt he needed to show his vulnerability, even with the risk of bringing bad publicity. Why would he do that? James Alexander simply had to shine his light in the world in order to show Yahuah's glory.
A Lamp Under a Basket
And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Mark 4:21-25)
As for the journalist, like any other worldly person, he belongs to the world until/if called by the Creator. Until we are saved, we are all fallen and evil by nature. We never know if the fallen person we speak to is meant to be saved or not and this is why Yahusha/Jesus asked us to love one another. Because only the One who created us can see what's within our hearts.
By the end of the tale, Rob Coen decided to use the information he learned to expose the Governor and potentially destroy the community that welcomed him for three days. Nevertheless, the outcome is left to the reader's imagination, with the last paragraph describing our protagonist in satisfaction for the explosive article he is about to write, while the airplane hits a strong turbulence. Did he make it home? did he really write the article? did the article really destroy the community? we will never know, but we know that whatever happens to us is under Yahuah's control and permission, so even if at first the end feels dire and sour, we can rest in the Word that the only thing we can do to defeat evil is to overcome it with good.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says Yahuah'. To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21)
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