Christians from the very beginning have gathered around and told stories to each other. The stories of Abraham, Moses, Miriam, Mary Magdalen, Jesus, and Paul.
We capture the hearts of children not with theology, but with great stories of how God defeated a giant with a boy and a slingshot. Our faith is defined by Godʼs redemption plan through Christ’s story - it is this beautiful narrative that is weaved together showing Godʼs people how much He loved them. It is a story of epic battles, romance, wondrous miracles, great tragedy, and plenty of mystery. The greatest story of all time written by the first storyteller!
It has always been the Story and stories that have changed my heart. God broke into my heart through music at a very young age. And not only Christian music. I could see Him in everything was the true and good and beautiful. (Philippians 4:8) Through music, I was continually broken hearted for the world and overwhelmed by His love for me.
Andrew Peterson a singer/songwriter and author that gives a great example of this. He tells his story to R.C. Sproulʼs congregation and describes seeing his friend in the movie ʻO Brother Where for Art Thou.ʼ He explained with a coy smile that every time he watched the movie, he looked for his friend and even paused the movie so he could show others that his friend was there. Andrew give evidence to how we as Christian’s experience story the same way. We can find Christ in the background of the movie, in the verse of a song, and in the hero of the book and we want to tell the world as He draws us to Himself - ʻLook! See! Hereʼs my friend! Can you see Him? Let me tell you His story.”
But, these days as an adult I find that I am losing the ability to be overwhelmed as my focus is, primarily, application of scripture. My heart moves further away from the majesty of Christʼs story the more I try to apply a theology to my life. Of course, application is good and important to our walk as Christians, but the walking is slower for me when my head tries to lead the way. It is when I open my heart to the story of Miriam as she dances or cry out in sorrow with the Psalmist and share in Paulʼs love for the church that I become part of the story and my heart is moved.
We are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and body... perhaps it is our heartʼs job to convince the mind and not the other way around - so I look for stories.
Andrew Peterson is a storyteller that does this for me. He tells stories with word and melody that pull me in. His latest album called “Resurrection Letters: Prologue” - tells the Lenten story to us in a deeply personal way. In this album, Andrew has reminded me that Christʼs journey to the cross is the greatest evidence that God is “Always Good” even though, like Peter, we may not have eyes to see. He paints a picture of Christ on the cross with a lamenting loop that helps me feel as the thief on the cross while Christ sings over us ʻforgive them for they know not what they do.”
LCCM is thrilled to be welcoming Andrew Petersonʼs tour to Livingston County on April 14th! It will be a time to enter into the Kingdom story - a time to "re-story" ourselves the way only art can. Be encouraged to find a story that captivates your heart and spend time in it. Let us know what stories you love. What authors, musicians, and artists are moving you? We want to hear you say ʻLook! See this! Hereʼs my friend.”
Tell stories, sing songs, inspire hearts and be fully alive in the great majesty of Christ.
Blessings,
Sarah