Tell me the old, old story!

Most people enjoy telling others good news.  And if that news has anything to do with their grandchildren, well, they are sure to let others hear.  Usually, whatever we spend the most time talking about is what we are most interested in or have been most affected by.  Sometimes we tell stories of events that are important to us.  Long before written records, novels, or articles, oral tradition was all there was for passing along the history of a family or a nation.

The third chapter of the Old Testament book of Joshua tells of how the nation of Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry land.  Some folks would say, "Big deal, the Jordan River is hardly more than a brook."  Granted, some times of the year it can be like that in places.  Without referencing several passages, let me just say that the Scriptures indicate that the river was very high, at flood levels.  We'll save any further discussion of this matter for another time.  Late in this chapter Joshua instructed the priests to gather 12 large stones (on for each of the tribes) and build a monument to the Lord for His provision.  Joshua also directed that when their descendants asked why the stones were piled to form a monument that parents and elders were to use that time to teach each generation about God's promises, and how He was always faithful to fulfill them.

The lesson to be gained from this passage is that it is important that we pass along to each generation our testimonies of God's provision and His acts of greatness which when tol will serve to bring glory to Him.  If you have children and/or grandchildren they would benefit by hearing the stories of God's people.

The old hymn says:

I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love;
I love to tell the story
Because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings
as nothing else can do.
          (I Love to Tell the Story by Hankey & Fischer)

Story telling has been an effective tool for teaching and inspiring for thousands of years, and it is still needed today.  Look for opportunities to tell how God has impacted your life.  It can make a big difference in the life of a loved one, a friend, co-worker, or family member.