The Story Weaver - What She Said Part 14 - Week 2 Day 7

TODAY'S TREASURE

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Rom. 15:4 NIV

Transcript

The Story Weaver

Marlys Roos, Guest Writer

Today’s Treasure

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Rom. 15:4 NIV

The Author of every story has filled His Story with people and events to reveal Himself to His people and, at the same time, reveal His people to themselves. Can you relate to the impatience and disbelief of Sarah, the denial of grief and error of Moses, the struggle with pride and self-sufficiency of the kings, or the desire to live in comfort and peace of the secret disciples? What about the devotion of Mary, the hospitality of her sister Martha, the endurance of Jeremiah, the straightforwardness of Elijah, and the singing of David? I can . . . and to so many more, for those characteristics are only a sampling of the complexities of the real people found in Scripture. 

Books can and have been written about the more prominent of them, but none of those books can tell their whole story because the Bible itself leaves out the details of individual lives—even the first thirty years of Christ’s. Why?

Perhaps it’s because in His infinite wisdom, God always gives us what we need, not necessarily what we may want. Too many details about one person might distract from what the Lord wants us to see—whether it’s something in ourselves, in another, or most importantly, in Him. Seeing all the weaknesses of the prophets and other saints might create disdain rather than the respect due to teachers. Hearing of all the glory and triumphs of the same might call into question their—and our—need for the Savior. Personal heroics and victories would distract from the true Hero of the Story and make us think we can be self-sufficient when we absolutely cannot.

We are to learn from those who have gone before us. We may need to heed the consequences of their weaknesses as the apostle Paul warned the Corinthians: “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:11-12). Or we may need to hold fast to their examples of faithfulness in distress. “As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast” (James 5:10-11a). But we must remember, these stories, this Story, is not about them or us.

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Whether we share their specific struggle with sin, are encouraged to follow their particular example of faith, or just read their stories with interest, each person in Scripture—named or unnamed—and their story reveal and magnify the character of God, the Creator and Father of all, who told their stories that we may know Him and our dependence on Him. In His great love, He has redeemed their stories and ours, setting Himself as the ultimate example: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph 5:1-2).

PRAYER

Father, we are in awe of Your Story woven so carefully together with all its complex characters and narratives, metaphors, and poetry so that we may know You and the riches of Your love for us. Thank You for crafting our stories into this great, eternal Tapestry. Amen.