TOBI TO THE RESCUE COMMENTARY

Thank-you for holding and reading my book whether you purchased it or received it as a gift. My prayer for you: that God’s love, favor, and blessings are apparent all around you as you deepen
your relationship with Him.
Together let’s check it out, as we look for the Christian/Biblical connections on the pages of “Tobi to the Rescue.” Remember, in all the Trinity Editions of the Gamma Series, the key animal represents the attributes, characteristics, traits, personality, or the nature of God, the Father; God, the Son; or God, the Holy Spirit. As His children, we should also reflect our Father in all areas.
So, let’s get started:

  1. First, the title – “Tobi to the Rescue” leads us to the question: Who is always there to lovingly rescue us from any situation? Yes, our Father. Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
  2. The name Tobias (Tobijah) means “The LORD is good” and is of Hebrew origin. Tobias is mentioned in the Bible in 2 Chronicles 17:8 and Zechariah 6:10; 6:14.
  3. Shema is also a name used in the story. The Shema is an important daily prayer used by the Israelites. It is still used today. You may be familiar with Deuteronomy 6:4-5. “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one. And as for you, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” The name Shema derives the first word of the prayer, “Hear/Listen” in Hebrew. And throughout the story a lot of hearing and listening is going on.
  4. The story opens with introducing the family home and then touches on the responsibilities of farm life. We serve a God Who designed us to work. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
  5. Other topics mentioned or seen in the illustrations are the farm animals God created and bread-making, reminding us that Jesus is the Bread of Life.
  6. Next, we note how dependent farmers are on the weather. Generation after generation, many prayers have been said for rain showers or sunshine, which are so needed for crops to flourish
    in the soil of God’s earth. Planting of seeds, sowing, waiting, and harvesting are themes often used throughout the Bible.
  7. Turning the page, it is brought to our attention how this family does their best, along with helping others. These behaviors are expected of a follower of Christ. (Similar to the Golden Rule.)
  8. As we continue, the cat appears and permission is granted to let the car stay.
  9. The cat has stripes going down his side, which brings to mind the stripes Jesus took before the crucifixion. And, the letter “M” on the cat’s head is the same letter (initial) as Messiah.
  10. Tobias (like our Father who IS Love) leaves his love wherever he goes. Notice the little heart paw prints when he steps in paint and walks across the concrete driveway.
  11. Tobias drops gifts at Marlene’s feet and purrs when she shows him her love. Take a moment to think of how powerful reciprocal love can be and all the blessings our Father has gifted us. Can you name some?
  12. Like our Father, our Creator, Tobias has free rein and he attracts others. Our God has free rein as the reigning King and definitely attracts others.
  13. We see a church off in the distance with “stained” glass windows. Thankfully, God will remove our stains (sins) as we become a new creation. There are many verses that refer to stain(s).
  14. The three kittens in the box allude to the Trinity. Three is a significant number used throughout the Bible.
  15. Just as our Father hears our cries out to Him, Tobi hears these three little kitties crying out for help.
  16. Then Tobi carefully puts each kitten in his mouth. Our Savior is also gentle with us. They both have a solution to the situation at hand. They each have a destination in their plan.
  17. The story ends with life. In the case of God, those who hear, listen, and call out will receive eternal life. The kittens received life through Shema sharing her milk.

Just an FYI there may be more connections than those I have listed. I’ll add them if you let me know.
The Bookend Scripture verses for this story are:
ALPHA SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:19. ”But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
OMEGA SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 4:16. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Take Away From This Story:
To be brave and bold, use wisdom and truth to guide you.
T-Shirt saying on the cat:
LIVE BRAVELY AND BOLDLY
Book’s GEM:
There is a recipe for Stained Glass Church Windows in the back of the book.

Please check out the Points to Pause, Ponder, and Pursue at the end of this book.
Thank you for taking the time to read my book.
My hope is that you enjoyed Marlene’s allegorical, whimsical adventures. But, even more, my goal is that this book becomes a catalyst for discussions with children bringing God’s Word and His deep love for us into the conversations, hopefully leading to a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ.