Tell me the old, old story
Who doesn’t love a good story? The interesting characters, the ups and downs, the climax, the happy ending. Kids especially love stories. When our kids were small we would read stories at bedtime and often it would be the same story over and over and over until we knew it by heart. As they got bigger they loved to hear stories about themselves or their siblings, the funny things they did, the silly things they said, the antics they got up. Even now my grown up kids love to tell stories about funny things I’ve said or done. And according to them, there’s plenty of material to work with! We are now in a season of welcoming new babies into our extended family and I’m sure it won’t be long until they start hearing the stories of what their older family members got up to.
I think God loves stories too. Scripture, God’s word to us, is made up of many little stories which all point to the one big story, the best story! It’s a story of God’s plan to redeem the world through His son, Jesus. Of how we can find forgiveness and peace and life in Jesus. And it’s a story we are to be passing onto our children, so that they may pass it on to their children, who are to pass it on to their children. Just as Psalm 78 exhorts us. We are to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Ps 78:4. Why? So that “they (the next generation) might put their trust in God.” Ps 78:7.
In the beautiful old hymn, “Tell Me the Old Old Story” we are encouraged to tell the story of Jesus simply, earnestly, slowly and often.
We don’t need eloquent words or amazing props or a fancy power point presentation to talk about Jesus to our kids or any young person. We just need to do it, and do it simply, using everyday words. Sharing our own story of faith in an honest and open way can be a powerful thing. As we remember and share the goodness and steadfastness of God in all seasons, especially the difficult ones, we are telling of the praiseworthy deeds of our God.
Let’s slow down and give precious time to telling the story of Jesus. The redemption story is rich and deep and worthy of our full contemplation. In a world of rush, rush, rush let’s allow ourselves and our kids to stop, linger, immerse ourselves in, and wonder at the power and might of our God as we share the story with them.
And let’s tell the story of Jesus often. For we forget so quickly, don’t we? God’s story told often to the young people in our life, is a powerful reminder that God is real, God is with you, God is faithful and true life can only be found in Jesus. And that is a message worth repeating.
So while I might not really want my grandkids to hear the story of that time I threw a mullet backwards into a crowd of people (my kids will happily explain), I deeply want them to hear the story of Jesus. To not only hear it but to claim it for themselves. To wholeheartedly put their trust in the living God. And to take on the awesome responsibility of telling the generation that comes after them, the praiseworthy deeds of our God. Won’t you join me in this mission?
Blessings
Caroline
