Hear my teaching, O my people;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
That which we have heard and known,
and what our forefathers have told us,
we will not hide from their children.
We will recount to generations to come
the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord,
and the wonderful works he has done.
He gave his decrees to Jacob
and established a law for Israel,
which he commanded them to teach their children;
That the generations to come might know,
and the children yet unborn;
that they in their turn might tell it to their children. (Psalm 78:1–6 NRSV)
One of my favorite things is to hear a little voice say, “Grandpa, Grandpa, read me a story.” As a relatively new grandfather, I have become aware of a whole new genre of great literature out there. There is Llama, Llama, Red Pajama. Or equally as riveting, Llama, Llama, Misses Mama. There is also Harold and the Purple Crayon. What fun to read these books! There is a great privilege given to us as parents and grandparents to share the love of books and stories with those God has brought under our influence and care.
As someone who has experienced the saving grace of God in Jesus, I also have the privilege of sharing with others, my grandkids included, the real-life stories of a God who loves them and has a plan for their lives. These are stories that speak of God’s creation, God’s greatness, God’s provision, God’s graciousness, God’s redemption, and God’s presence. Psalm 78:3–4 states, “That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us, we will not hide from their children. We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, and the wonderful works he has done.”
I want the next generation to hear about Jesus. Jesus, the Son of God who was born as a baby and lived a sinless life. Jesus, the Son of Man who was Immanuel – God with us. Jesus, the son of David who taught and proclaimed God’s truth. Jesus, the Savior who brought healing and peace to those who believed. Jesus, the Messiah who proclaimed freedom to captives and justice to the oppressed. Jesus, the Lord who came to show us living in step with God’s will and to seek the coming of God’s Kingdom and the doing of God’s will. Jesus is the story, the words of God’s Good News for all – every man, woman, and child.
In these days of Lent, the story, or Good News, of Jesus is moving to an earthly climax, one that will bring great sorrow, pain, and death. It is Good News for you and me because that is not the end of the story. Jesus is crucified and killed, but Jesus does not stay dead. This is the story I want my grandkids and my loved ones to hear. This is a story that will change their lives forever. This is a story that brings God’s wholeness and God’s peace. This is not just the story found in God’s Word. It needs to be the story found in and through my life. When my grandkids ask me to read them a story, can I read the story of Jesus as it lives in me and out of me?
Harry Kelm is the NAB executive director.