February 4, 2014.

Today I’ll keep my post short and sweet, mainly because I am talking at devo tonight and I’m running on around 10 hours of sleep in the past few days. Nevertheless, what I am going to talk about, on here and later on tonight, is one of my favorite thing to do with the bible: tell its stories.

Have you ever noticed that the bible is basically written in stories? Other than the laying out of the law and further regulations in parts of the first few books of the bible, most of the Old testament is in somewhat of a story format. It intrigues me that God chose this medium to reveal his truth to us. It is only fitting, then, that we to tell our history though stories. I believe that this is the way we are designed. Who doesn’t like a good story?

When Jesus started his public ministry, even he chose to teach in story form, usually referred to as parables. He could have just came and laid everything out in bullet form, 12 pt font, double spaced with a running header. But he chose to teach in stories instead. His disciples seemed to, at least to some degree, follow suit. Luke starts his gospel out like this:

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses andministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
(Luke 1:1-4)

Tonight, I am going to tell a few lesser known biblical stories at devo. I have been excited about this for over a week! One of the reasons that the Old Testament intrigues me so much is because there are all these stories, most of which the lay culture has never hear, that bring up points and show the character of God and his people. I want to challenge you to find some of these stories, and read them! Even if you think you know a story, such as Noah’s ark or Jonah and the great fish (yes, it is not called a whale), you might be surprised (especially with the story of Jonah)! I hope to inspire any and all to have a thirst for the word, a good working desire to get into it and read it. It is great fun, even if there are some parts that are difficult to get through. You will be blessed.

Suggested Daily Reading: Jonah 1-4

May the Spirit of the Lord be upon you.

-Walter