Telling the Story
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While teaching about the psalms, this Lenten season
I’ve had time to reflect on how these words continue to influence our culture.
So many songwriter and performers are influence by the stories they learned in
their childhood. Often our modern music, art and literature contain references
to scripture. It is sometimes difficult to catch the reference but they are
there if we know the story well enough. The artistic expressions of our time
will take on a totally different tone when we are able to experience the
fullness of what is being communication by the artist. Artist like U2, Sublime,
Bobby McFerrin, and even Elvis have used the worship experience of their past
to communicate their message. One cannot help but see how the story of Jesus
and God’s work in the world around us, influenced J.K. Rowling, C. S. Lewis,
and George Lucas in their own Masterpieces.
The Israelites were exceptionally good at telling
their story. The history of God’s chosen people has been handed down in
Scripture, liturgy and folk/ pop culture for centuries. At Passover it is the
job of the youngest to retell the story of the Exodus to the gathering to
ensure the story is passed on to the next generation. The Psalms tell the story
of God’s salvation in the liturgy. As Christians we also do this retelling but
it is not as much a part of the fabric of our daily lives.
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Marc Chagall, 1912, Still-life (Nature morte), oil on canvas, private collection
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The story in both faith traditions is the same: God
is faithful, present, and active in the world. God helps us when we are in
need. This is the message of Psalm 107. Psalm 107, in its entirety, retells the
history of Israel and demonstrate how God saved them in different situations.
We do not hear the whole Psalm in church but I would recommend reading it
aloud. See if you can recognize the different stories that are retold in the
Psalm. This passing down the story to other allow them to understand how God
has moved in our world and to see when God is present and active in our world
today. What an incredible gift to give!
Today's Scripture:
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *
and his mercy endures for ever.
and his mercy endures for ever.
2 Let all those whom the Lord has
redeemed proclaim *
that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.
that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.
3 He gathered them out of the lands; *
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
17 Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; *
they were afflicted because of their sins.
they were afflicted because of their sins.
18 They abhorred all manner of food *
and drew near to death's door.
and drew near to death's door.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in
their trouble, *
and he delivered them from their distress.
and he delivered them from their distress.
20 He sent forth his word and healed them *
and saved them from the grave.
and saved them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for
his mercy *
and the wonders he does for his children.
and the wonders he does for his children.
22 Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.
and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.
Conversation Starter:
- Can you tell me the story of Jesus in 2 minutes?
- In your opinion, what are the most important stories in the bible?
- Have you ever noticed reference to those stories in the Bible appearing in the music you listen to, the books you read or the movies you watch?
- Do you believe that God uses modern culture to make us aware of God’s presence?
- Can you give example?
- How can our family learn more about our own story together?
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