John Bisagno was a world-class orator. Mama always said he had a “flair for the dramatic.” The man could tell a story. He understood suspense and drama and the quiet moments and anticipation. He could sweep a crowd into a moment—and the payoff would be spectacular.
But no one has a “flair for the dramatic” like God. He is the Ultimate Storyteller. The epic we live in has it all: a hero, a villain, a race of victims trapped in bondage to sin so severe creation itself suffers; our only hope is to be rescued by the hero. This is an adventure greater than anything at the movies.
But the Bible is filled with amazing smaller stories. Consider Jericho. The nation of Israel faces its first test. What does God do? He has the people march around the city in battle formation: troops in front, then seven priests blowing trumpets, followed by the rear guard. The trumpets would be the only sound; the people were not allowed to speak a word. The people of Jericho were watching it all.
They did the same for six days. But on the seventh day they marched around the city seven times, trumpets blowing. After the seventh trip, Joshua told the people it was time to shout “For the Lord has given you the city!,” (Joshua 6:17) and the walls of Jericho fell—or most of the walls. Archaeologists have found that the northern wall did not fall. Apparently that is where Rahab lived and she and her family were spared because she hid Israel’s spies.
But why the seven days? Why did God do it that way? This dramatic turn of events was for Israel. God was schooling His people, showing them His power. Israel has now witnessed ten plagues, crossed the Red Sea on dry land, received the ten commandments, eaten manna for forty years and now God is knocking down walls for them.
There is NO STORYTELLER LIKE HIM, and no stories like His stories!
ΑΩ
Household Words: 