I’ve been in education
for over 25 years, and one of my favorite things to do is read storybooks to children. I love it when I walk into a classroom and I hear a child say, “Ms. Burgess, what are you going to read to us today?” The excitement that comes from a child’s voice still brings goosebumps to my skin, and joy rises up from within my soul as I begin to enter in. As such, narrative therapy and journaling activities are some of my favorite counseling tools, because stories are perfect ways for people to build all kinds of connections. And when I’m presenting to adults, I love to throw a picture book in, because children’s stories keep difficult concepts comprehensive. Something magical happens when stories start to unfold. People fall under a spell when the storytelling begins. Well, I’d like to tell you a story about the greatest storyteller that ever lived. His name was Jesus Christ, and he was famous for captivating all kinds of audiences. Crowds would come from all around just to get a sneak peak. They would fill the land, from end to end, just to hear him speak. Matthew 13 says, “A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since the seeds didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Matthew 13:2-9 See…isn’t Jesus amazing? The man is dead, but His Spirit lives! “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrew 4:12 And the storytelling goes on through the opening of the scroll. His words come off the page and enter into our hearts to live. The truth is the WORD OF GOD IS the greatest story ever told! What do you think Jesus means through the parable of the seed? Is there a truth He wants you to know? If so, what is it?
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