Tell Me A Story

From the youngest age, all children love to be told stories. We enjoy hearing them, whether they are the invention of our talented parents or they're read from the ever-popular children's books.

There are still many children around the world, or even nearby, who do not experience the joy of melding their imagination with the characters in a book, and so immersing themselves in the action. That sad fact has always troubled me, as I was one of the many who were blessed with an unending supply of books as a child. But it all starts with someone telling the stories before we are able to read.

When we become adults, we continue to enjoy the relating of an event, fictional or historical. The follow-up of a good story produced as a movie event can be equally enjoyable, even if in some cases the original story is not necessarily well represented.

When it comes to biblical stories, I enjoy those reproduced in the form of a documentary. I like to hear more about the actual people, around whom history and God's plan were shaped. Even though the writers and directors are using some personal suppositions, I like to hear what might have been on the minds of those larger-than-life protagonists.

During the few weeks of Advent, the congregation at our church was given the gift of just such dramatic presentations. Our pastor portrayed such biblical individuals as Zechariah, Joseph, and the magi. He relayed the stories in the first person singular, and as a result, we were transported to a different time and place. There was rapt attention during the telling, and we, the listeners, were deeply moved.

Jesus was a master story-teller, and He used the parables to communicate eternal truths. A well-told story can do more than just capture the attention of the listener; it can reach depths that connect to the individual. And is that not what we Christians seek to do? A few words, whether dramatized or simply spoken in passing, can connect to people who are unsure or questioning, or are simply lacklustre in their understanding of Christian living. Let us all share our experiences in our walk with God, whenever the Spirit moves us, in whatever way.

I applaud all Sunday School teachers, pastors, and visitors to nursing homes as they accept the very important role of sharing the Word of God. What if they were to adopt, even just once, a biblical personality, and show the listeners what that person might have been thinking during their experience? Could you relate to the father of the prodigal son … or perhaps the brother?

Luke 15:17-19 – But when he came to himself he said, "How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.'" (RSV)

Tell them a story!

Prayer: Dear Father, Lord, we deeply desire to connect to others and to show how an intimate connection with You will change their lives. Whatever methods may be Your choice for us, help us to use them wisely and for Your glory. Amen.

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