YOUR FAVOURITE BIBLE STORY?

What a joy and privilege to be part of the first weeks in the life of our grandson, Jacob. It is nearly 40 years since I have spent time with a baby and then with your own, there is always something which needs to be done. Not so as a grandparent. I could sit and cuddle Jacob while his Mum caught up on some much needed sleep, and not feel at all guilty.

Another special time of the day was bedtime stories with Lucy. I'm not quite sure how this came about, but she equates Granma story time with Bible stories and of course, I don't mind at all. She has her favourites and I have mine so there were always negotiations as to which stories would be on the agenda each evening, especially as she wanted the same ones.

I obviously love telling Bible stories, especially the exciting ones in the Old Testament, but making them relevant for a 4 year old is quite an interesting process. There is so much going on in these stories but much of it is more appropriate to an older audience. In the end, I would emphasise God's love for that person, despite.......or point our how much God cared. This made me feel that I was making these stories sound rather superficial but without knowing these stories, now can an adult start to question  and explore the treasures of the Bible?

That set me thinking yet again of the importance of knowing the story of the Bible, as this is the basis for all  theological discussion. God reveals himself through his word and without a basic knowledge of what God is really like, it is impossible to grasp deeper truths. It is very easy to have our own expectations of what God should be like or what God should be doing, but that reduces God to our limited knowledge or to our set of values. Reading and exploring the Old Testament provides great insight into a patient, loving and caring God as seen in the life of his son, Jesus.

'Bible Stories For Big Kids' is an easy read for anyone wanting to discover the Old Testament and the God of the Bible, who is as relevant  today as he was in those  ancient stories. Get to know your Bible!