Stories

Reading: Mark 4; Psalm 28 33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them. (Mark 4:33-34 NLT) Jesus had the most important task ever – to introduce the Kingdom of God on the earth! He had a short time to accomplish his task and a motley crew of ex-fishermen, tax collectors, political activists, and general misfits in whose minds and hearts he would plant the seeds of the Kingdom. And the primary tool he used was story telling! He never taught without using parables – stories and illustrations. For those who had made the decision to follow him as his students and apprentices, those who had changed the direction of their lives to be with him and learn from him, he explained the truths that were woven into his stories. I know this is true and right! I know that now, just as then, stories are the right tools to communicate the truths of God’s Kingdom. But it seems that we (maybe it’s just me!) still try to explain things too much when we really should simply be telling the stories! I purpose to do better at keeping it simple and just telling the story. Here’s something else I’ve been thinking about this morning…To know you, I need to hear your story, to know me you need to hear my story, to know God, we need to hear his story. Are your words, your attitudes, and your life telling others your God Story? Prayer:

Father, Please help me to tell the story simply and effectively. May I tell the story of your unfailing love and your amazing grace, of your infinite patience and gentle kindness, and of your everlasting faithfulness. May I tell interesting stories that contain the seeds of Kingdom of God truths and may I tell stories that are worth listening to, stories that create lasting images in the minds of those who hear me. May I always tell stories that end with the words “to be continued!” Amen.