Every Story Whispers His Name

Recently I purchased a children’s Bible story book for my little girl (2) written by Sally Lloyd-Jones (no relation to D. Martyn) entitled The Jesus Storybook Bible.  In the first chapter “The Story and the Song”, which references Psalm 19 and Hebrews 1, the foundation for the entire book is laid out.  Here’s an excerpt:

“Now, some people think the Bible is a book of rules, telling you what you should and shouldn’t do.  The Bible certainly does have some rules in it.  They show you how life works best.  But the Bible isn’t mainly about you and what you should be doing.  It’s about God and what He has done.  Other people think the Bible is a book of heroes, showing you people you should copy.  The Bible does have some heroes in it, but (as you’ll soon find out) most of the people in the Bible aren’t heroes at all.  They make some big mistakes (sometimes on purpose).  They get afraid and run away.  At times they are downright mean.  No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes.  The Bible is most of all a Story.  It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure.  It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne – everything – to rescue the one he loves.  It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales has come true in real life!  You see, the best thing about this Story is – it’s true.  There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story.  The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.”

Now, with the eloquence and delivery designed for a children’s book, the main point here is that the Bible isn’t about us, but is about God and more pointedly His Son Jesus Christ.  Every story truly does whisper His name.  If this truth is being expounded in a children’s book that I can read my 2-year old daughter, such that she understands the main point of the Bible is not rules or heroes, but Christ, then how much more should this be conveyed by modern day pastors and understood by the “average church-goer”?  At what point does it become unfaithful to the intent and purpose of the Scriptures to preach rules and heroes instead of preaching Jesus Christ?

“25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:25-27

See also:

His-story: Christ Centered Preaching

Preaching Christ from the Old Testament

About the author

Christian saved by grace through faith.

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