Sandcastle Kings: Meeting Jesus in a Spiritually Bankrupt World

Spiritually bankrupt people will naturally build things that cannot last. They achieve the best that the world can give; attain the highest standards the world desires; and pursues the things of fame, power, happiness, riches, and material goods. Yet, all these things are but sandcastles, and in achieving them, we are likened to "sandcastle kings."

What are the "sandcastles" of life? According to Wilkerson, it is about any kind of foundation that is not centered on Christ. If a person's foundation is money, then all he does is work and making money. He spends so much time at the office that he neglects other more important things in life simply because money has usurped the title of the most important thing in life. If a person's foundation is relationships, then one's sense of purpose and identity is based on the ups and downs of the health of that particular relationship. If a person's foundation is health, he becomes paranoid about diet, about looks, about keeping fit so as to prevent disease, or maintain a good build. This book describes four biblical examples of how people build their houses on sand or sandcastles that will fall in a matter of time. Using Luke 7 as the key chapter, Wilkerson also reminds us about the "Chapter 7 bankruptcy" which eventually leads him toward writing about spiritual bankruptcy when we build sandcastles.

The first person is the Roman Centurion who was too embarrassed to see Jesus personally. His humbling act touched Jesus who went on to heal his servant. Here, we learn about the sandcastle of Pride which is a bad foundation in which we can build our lives on. Contentment is not about place but in the Person of Christ. The Centurion's perspective is unlike others. He refuses to use his own authority and reputation but chooses to beg. Jesus praises the Centurion for his faith and humility. The Apostle Paul then presents a kingdom perspective instead of the sandcastle of pride. The Word of God is our food; our weapon and our guide.

The second person is the widow weeping over her dead son. Through the story, Wilkerson points out the second sandcastle: Relationships. He warns us about the fragility of relationships simply because people by themselves are fragile. The widow has not only lost her husband, now she has lost her child. It is a double whammy. With the deaths of her loved ones, she finds no more reason to live. The problem with building the sandcastle of relationships is that it focuses more on the created beings rather than the Creator of all beings. It can be idolizing our relationships. Gradually, readers learn that this does not mean we do away with relationships totally. It simply means learning to see relationships with God as our Guide. Just like CS Lewis's four loves. If we remain in the earthly levels of love and fail to progress to the highest love, we will not be doing our relationships a favour. For it is God who is the one who can say "Get up!"

The third person is John the Baptist, who Wilkerson calls "The Preacher." The sandcastle of Religion is about buying our way to salvation through works. John has been faithfully preaching and calling the people to repentance. Yet, he is a man with doubts, questioning Jesus' identity even when he was in prison. When the going gets tough, what happens to our faith? Are we going to cling on to a religion made by man? Are we going to replace faith with the sandcastle of religious works?

The fourth person is the woman leading the sinful life. She had no reputation. Instead, she had excessive baggage of regret, guilt, and all kinds of depressing details of her life. She cannot seem to overcome her sandcastle of her self-condemnation.

So What?
The idea of "sandcastle kings" is a brilliant one. It describes the very things of this world that many people pursue without fully realizing the folly of doing so. Like sandcastles on the beach that can be easily washed away when the high tides come, our pursuit of worldly stuff such as material goods, riches, possessions, reputation, and so on can be easily washed away. What is not so obvious is the way we pursue other seemingly "more important things" such as relationships and good works. Wilkerson brings them out clearly and shows us from Luke 7 how these can become sandcastles if we are not careful.

Rich Wilkerson Jr and his wife DawnChere are founders of VOUS Church in Miami. Rich is also the host of the weekly talk show Top3 on JUCE TV. Rich travels widely, logging more than two million air miles while traveling around the world on speaking engagements. Wow!

This book reminds me of the way our heart creates idols. John Calvin calls the heart as an "idol factory" which is a warning that anything that replaces God in our hearts is automatically an idol. It is also a "sandcastle" and we are specialists in building such fantasies. What makes it worse is the way we lead others to do the same, becoming a stumbling block to others. There are many stories that can move the heart and I appreciate the last story most of all. The idea behind this book is simple but so very applicable to many parts of life. Thanks Rich!

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

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This book is provided to me courtesy of Thomas-Nelson and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Boring life stories, poor editing and grammar, and relatively invaluable ear-tickling is mostly what I got out of my read. Maybe that's all some Christians need, but P. Wilkinson doesn't offer enough substance for me here.

Sandcastle Kings talks about the 4 stories in the Bible in Luke Chapter 7. Preacher Rich Wilkerson, Jr. leads the reader through each story with its lesson on being spiritually bankrupt, finding Jesus and accepting the Grace that He has died to give us. The author deeply examines each story in his own words and explanations; some of which may appeal to a younger audience. Wilkerson does try to tie in his own personal experience throughout the book with the Biblical stories and principals as they are written in the Bible.
My overall opinion of this book: It was a bit repetitive, a little boring and maybe better left for a younger generation to discover. The author’s wording/use of (slang) I can’t find a better word for it- didn’t hit home with me or fill my spirit or soul. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to finish reading it, just to get through it. Better recommended for a younger 20’s something Christian reader.
I received this book complimentary from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinions. These reviews are my own opinions.

A great book that challenges the way you think while inspiring you to open your heart and soul to Jesus. Rich is able to connect and draw from a specific book of the bible, but explain and relate it to everyday life.

Words can't express the life changing experience I have gained from reading this book. Each story, each reflection, each connection is amazing!! I brought 2 more copies to share with my friends and family!! Thank you Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. Can't wait to see the impact of millions from the this book!

I absolutely love the stories in this book! Its a MUST read...I bought several copies for fiends and family! Rich Wilkerson Jr.'s writing techniques reflect exactly how he preaches, full of passion and energy!! AMAZING read!!!!

The tone of the author is a little too beaver cleaver for me

I encourage all who see this book on Amazon, or in any book store they happen to be in, to get it and read it. It has such deep and timely truth that needs to be absorbed and shared.

This is a good read for non Christians or new christians. I felt it was a little hard to get into it and it didn't hold my attention. Still a good book but not my favorite for sure.

Sandcastle Kings is a practical, accessible look at Jesus and what being a Christ follower should look like.
I have to first of all admit that initially I picked up this book from the Booklook blogger program because of Rich Wilkerson, Jr's "celebrity" pastor status. I really only knew about it because Kanye did the cover. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, but this book is DEEP, solidly biblical, tackles the tough questions, doesn't water down the truth, and does this all in a way that I would not hesitate to hand this book to anyone I knew who was seeking to know about God.
I think the way Rich weaves his story and experiences throughout the narrative of Jesus was done extremely well. It was relatable. You find yourself nodding with him all over this book. You see Jesus not necessarily in a new light but in a clearer light. You see clearly how Jesus is love but also black and white on sin. It's not an either/or...it's and.
Sandcastle Kings is a great book for those still seeking their faith, those new to a relationship with Jesus, and those who just need a fresh perspective.