by Timothy W. Burnett
A special part of these gatherings is story telling. As we sit and listen closely to our relatives' stories we come to understand our selves a little better. This is especially true for stories told by the elders in our families. Our mannerisms and traits are better understood as we listen to stories we can relate to. Maybe we hear stories that help us to recognize something about ourselves to change for the better.
God in heaven also gave us many true stories to learn from in His word. He wants us to learn patience and be comforted from the stories of our spiritual heritage. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures, might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Our underlying hope is salvation. Because of that hope we can learn patience. We can be comforted by the stories of other believers in times past.
We can read through the Acts and see wonderful stories of God's people. We are encouraged by their courage. Present troubles are faced with peace and soundness of mind as we dwell on the stories of God's people in the first century church who suffered great persecution under the Jewish and Roman governments. And to see that after they were scattered abroad, they simply continued to teach the truth of Jesus Christ to others.
When we read the stories of Jesus Christ's sufferings we learn how to handle false accusations, mock trials and unjust punishments for acting rightly. 1Peter 2:11-25 covers this beautifully. We can identify with the stories of Jesus Christ's sufferings and be encouraged by his courage.
We do not have the same calling as Jesus Christ did. But we are considered living sacrifices for Jesus� sake. It is written in Romans 12:1, �I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice. Holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.�
It is our reasonable service because we owe our lives to God in heaven who rescued us by honoring the perfect sacrifice of His first born son who is our Lord Jesus Christ. While dying on the cross, Jesus Christ was presenting himself to his Father as the perfect and final sacrifice for all of mankind.
In this light, next week will begin a series on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. While reading through the conception and birth of Jesus Christ, notice the stories of his mother and step-father. Jesus learned love, humility, meekness, confidence, patience, endurance, and more by watching and learning from his parents to the end that he had the courage to give his own life for all of mankind. While in that garden he prayed to his Daddy and asked for that cup to pass by him. He could have just as easily walked off and refused such suffering and death. But instead he said, "Not my will be done, but your will be done" (Luke 22:40-44).
Home