God’s Story 

His Story Told His Way! 

God tells a story differently than most of our familiar literary giants. I recently googled the greatest books and novels ever written. As I scanned the various lists I discovered an obvious omission… 

The lists were interesting, but nowhere did I find a list that recognized the Bible as one of the great books. No surprise, I suppose. I’m not going to cry or moan about it because after all, we shouldn’t expect such recognition from the literary aristocrats of our modern age. Consequently, there was no mention of any of the great stories of the Bible. Once again, no surprise.

We will discover that the story of Joseph is a great story but there is something missing from it that we find in the recognized literary greats. Biblical stories lack a certain level of volume and detail. 

Several years ago, when I read Grapes of Wrath as an adult, it struck me to the core. The words of John Steinbeck cut me deep. I felt the characters hunger. I felt their fear. I felt their failed hopes. I felt their despair. When reading great literature with volume and detail, one’s soul is cut open and emotions will run deep. 

Before us we have the story of Joseph. A brilliant story of love, life, hatred, death and intrigue. We have antagonists, protagonist, good and evil, twists and turns, drama, comedy and sarcasm. This is a great story. But it lacks the volume and detail that we are used to from classic novels. However, is it really lacking? 

I’m reminded of the last sentence of the gospel of John:

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written. 

When reading biblical narratives, realize that much more could’ve been written. But there wasn’t. When it comes to God’s Word, it’s just right. Nothing is haphazard with God and nothing is missing. It is exactly what God meant for it to be. I believe the Bible is fully God’s Word, perfect, infallible and authoritative. It was uniquely written by God through human authors in a way that perfectly reflects God’s full intent. God used the author’s style, personality and culture to write HIS Word. 

If Bible stories lack volume and detail, should we feed short-changed? Do I need to add a lot of speculation to make them more meaningful? How are these stories different than other literary stories in history? 

1. Bible narratives are inspired by God. They are literally breathed-out by God for a certain purpose; to meet a need at the time of its writing and to accomplish a particular purpose of God. They contain key truths that God is communicating to to the original readers and to us as well. Let’s find those truths.
2. These stories require prayerful reflection. Great literature provides the details in volumes of words. Just read and the details unfold the full story. Biblical stories are concise. God is very economical with His words. We as readers should put the extra effort in to pray, meditate and reflect.
3. These stories should produce more than just the enjoyment of an interesting story. They should affect the way we live. I have always considered great movies or great novels as ones that make me feel deeply; Feel joy, feel fear, feel love, feel hurt, etc. Biblical stories will produce a sense of emotion within us, that’s true.  But a higher purpose is to consider the question: how then should I live? Let’s allow God’s Word to shape how we live through His narratives. 

Next time we will begin the story of Joseph. Dear Father, we love You and we love Your Word. Lead us into the truth and by it, grant us strength to live in this world as beacons of light. We may be changed as we reflect upon the Word which is like a mirror that reflects You in all Your glory and brilliance. Amen.