The Importance of Narrative: Then and Now

“In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’" Josh 4:21b-22

"I love to tell the story of unseen things above/of Jesus and his glory/ of Jesus and his love."

"Let me tell you what he has done for me."

Narrative is important to the faithful. It was for the ancient Israelites. They erected monuments to their God, as reminders of divine intervention and revelation. Narrative perpetuated their faith, as God became identified as "The Lord, the God who delivered you from Egypt." YHWH the deliverer saved the community from destruction.

Narrative has been important for Baptists. Early on, Baptists began to focus on experiences of faith. A profession of faith was accompanied by the individual's answer to the question: "What has God done for you?" This remains in the testimonies of today, as Baptists will often stand up in front of the congregation and share their story. Very few have been delivered from Egypt, but a premium is often placed on a good, dramatic story.

We need to continue to tell the story. To tell what God has done for us. Not only to share the news with the world, but to remind ourselves. Raise your Ebenezer.