Telling Stories

Interesting, isn't it? Ever noticed how people try to "improve" upon the Bible? Instead of simply telling the stories and letting them do their work, some are inclined to boil them down, distill out the lessons, outline the ideas, and construct a system of ideas and beliefs . . . you know . . . the way the Bible should have been written! So we can know what to believe, and outline our beliefs, and define who we are and what we stand for. After all, stories can't do that, but outlines can! Right? Are the stories really enough? Apparently, God never got the memo. Instead, we have stories. Stories.

This week, in our continuing series on the minor prophets, we focus on the story that Joel tells, and urges us to keep on telling. It's a particular story. The great story. God's Story. Notice, we're not talking about our stories (although they have a role to play), but the real Story that God invites us to be a part of.

Could it be, perhaps, that God is less interesting in becoming a part of our lives, our stories . . . as He is in inviting us to become a part of His life, His Story. It makes a difference which story we are primarily focused on and a part of. It's not what we can do about distilling out of God's Story things might enhance our lives, but immersing myself into God's Story and allowing Him to live out His Story in me! When that happens, how we tell our stories, and the stories we tell, sound quite different!

Do you know the difference? Have you experienced the difference as both a hearer and a teller? Would you like to enter into the Story? You're invited.

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Joel 2:28-32

(TNIV)

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your old men will dream dreams,

your young men will see visions.

I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

and on the earth,

blood and fire and billows of smoke.

and the moon to blood

before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

on the name of the Lord will be saved;

for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem

there will be deliverance,

as the Lord has said,

even among the survivors

whom the Lord calls.

Telling Stories - Joel