God is faithful and good. God is sovereign. God is our redeemer.

Where do we see the Story matter?

Prologue Week 2

Last week, we recognized that knowing God's story really does matter, not because we want to know the facts and participate in the 2024 Bible Quiz Tournament, but because when we know and understand His promises and believe in His plan, the gospel of Jesus, we are propelled to share with others and be ambassadors of the Kingdom.

As we read through the passages circled in yellow this week, we took the next action step: "Where do we see the story matter?" In other words, where in scripture do we see God's people actually telling God's story, and how does that impact the kingdom?

In Deuteronomy chapters 1–3, Moses, an ambassador for the kingdom, recounts God's faithfulness and victory for the Israelites. He reminds them that in all the places they didn't think they could "do it" (too many giants, not enough food, a barren land, and a large army to battle), God did it. Moses knows that the Israelites' time in the wilderness has come to an end and that remembering the story is crucial here, as it is closely tied to believing the promises of God and understanding His sovereignty. Moses is hopeful for the next generation. Likewise, we are hopeful. But how can we remember what we do not know? We can't. Moses and the Law will never bring us to the Promised Land of God, but Jesus can. He is who we remember now. He is the victory.

In Acts 13:13–52, Paul, an ambassador for the Kingdom, is sharing in the synagogue. As he tells the Jews the story of the Gospel, he doesn't start with Jesus; he recounts their past. He wants them to see the complete story, not just the middle piece. And it is here that we see again that what God promised to the Fathers, God has fulfilled through Jesus to us, His children. Imagine what it would have been like if Paul did not bring to the Jewish people's remembrance the promises of God for a savior and a king. We wouldn't read about the people begging to hear the message again (v.42), the whole city gathering (v.44), the rejoicing of the Gentiles as they hear that they are part of the kingdom (v.48), the spreading of the Word of the Lord(v.49). It is good to know, remember, and believe the Story.

In Psalm 135, We join in with the old ambassadors of the faith, and praise the Lord! We praise Him for who He is and for His mighty works. It is good to praise the Lord and to remember that whatever He pleases, He does. He is not an idol. He is not temporary. He is immutable (unchanging) He is not only good, but always good. Verse 13 says, "Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages." He, the great I Am, is known throughout history (throughout His story). So give praise, servants of the Most High! Impact the kingdom!

Where in Ephesians 2 do we see the story matter? The entirety of the passage matters; this is a clear picture of the Gospel. The Gospel matters; it is everything. As Paul preaches the message of Jesus Christ, he asks the Ephesian believers to remember their past, "at one time separated from Christ" and who they are today, "reconciled as one body" and "no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." It is with praise that we can claim this same citizenship! We also must remember. We are also ambassadors of God's story and of Jesus Christ.

So where does knowing God's story matter? When we know God's story and share it, we make it matter. The message of God's love, and Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascension is the message that needs to move forward! Knowing, believing, and remembering has kingdom impact not just for our own remembrance, but also for the growth of the Kingdom. Please continue to pray as we begin to understand this metanarrative of the Bible, and our story within God's story. Pray that we will grow in our love for Him and our desire to share Jesus with others.

Looking ahead to Act One week 1: When do we meet the Author?