Are you are story teller?

 

I took a story telling class in seminary that was more challenging than I thought. Ever since that time, I have tried to use those skills to tell Bible Stories. There are times when I am leading a discipleship group that I don't want to read several chapters leading up to a key passage of scripture so instead of reading all the details, I summarize it by telling the story instead of reading it. It makes me think back to the Storytelling course in Seminary. 

Jesus was a master storyteller, but really, so were Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, and Peter. I try as much as possible to read scripture as a story. I guess that is part of the reason I use the NLT version so often. When I am working with new believers, especially, I want the story to be simple, easy to understand, and clear. 

This week, on my Thursday night Discipleship group, we are studying some of my favorite scriptures. This week we have Deuteronomy 30:11-21. In this scripture, we are given a message of the simplicity of the messages from God:

"This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, 'Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?' It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, 'Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?' No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it." (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)

 When Philip met the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8, Philip told the Eunuch the story of Jesus, starting in Isaiah 53 and ending with Jesus' death and resurrection. He didn't read it out of scripture. He didn't quote it from memory. He just told the story. And it was so clear, the Eunuch completely understood.

"Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' The man replied, 'How can I unless someone instructs me?' He urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him... The Eunuch asked Philip, 'Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?' So beginning with this same scripture, Philip told him the good news about Jesus." (Acts 8:30-31,34-35)

Could you tell the New Testament story of Jesus? What would you include? I know many people who memorize scripture, but just telling the story of God, who became a man, who saved us through his death and resurrection on the cross, is a wonderful tool.

 I pray we all could tell a brief story of the life of Jesus and that we could add to that story exactly what he has done in your own life. You might have to include some details about the sin that created the need for Jesus. You might have to include the miraculous virgin birth, and you might have to include stories about Jesus healing the blind, and making the lame walk. But the power of the cross is his complete selfless sacrifice for you and for me!

GO out and find someone to tell the Story of Jesus!