Lesson Forty Seven

TROUBLE IN JERUSALEM

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Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:2
Further Study: Acts 21:16-24:23; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 399-422; The Bible Story, vol. 10, pp. 108-113

“I’m going to tell you a Bible story you’ve never heard before.” And thus began the bedtime routine my husband had with my oldest daughter. They would disappear into a dark room, sit in the rocking chair, and he’d unfold a Bible story for her.

One can never underestimate the power of stories.

One can never underestimate the power of stories. People of all ages love them, but perhaps children the most. And Bible stories can never be told too often because they are rich in lessons for all ages. 

One Bible story I told repeatedly to my growing girls was the story of Hezekiah when the Babylonians came to visit. It was the best example of why they should keep their bodies safe and protected and not, as Hezekiah did when he shared all he had. I told it so often that all I had to do was say “Hezekiah” and they knew where things were headed.

Paul had his Damascus Road conversion experience in Acts 9. He then proceeded to tell his story four more times (Acts 22, 24, 26, 28). Why tell the same story again and again? Because it authenticated who he was. By hearing his story, people knew he was who he said he was. He was living his life because of what happened that day on the road to Damascus.

My granddaughter sees any book and immediately wants to be on my lap to read. My three-year-old grandson can be playing quietly on the floor while I’m telling a story to his mom and he’ll look up and say, “Whatcha talking about?” His little ears pick up that there might be something interesting to hear. We all love stories and it’s why we should tell stories again and again, not only from the Bible but from our personal experience.

I used to think that to become a youth pastor you had to live some amazing, tragic, adventurous life because youth pastors never seemed to have an end to all the things that happened to them. But then I started this devotional project. I continue to be amazed at the life experiences God gave me years ago that suddenly have meaning to share with others. I’m thoroughly convinced I’m not alone.

What stories do you have to tell?

What stories do you have to tell? What stories can you share with your children or grandchildren to authenticate your Christian walk? Think of some today. Share and be renewed.

Digging Deeper 

Each time Paul tells his story we learn something new. In this account there are several details unknown before. It seems that Paul considered his audience when relating his story.

1. This account is more focused on Paul’s call instead of his conversion.
2. There is greater emphasis on light during his Damascus Road experience. He told them it was around noon which would be full daylight.
3. He revealed more about Ananias, telling them he was a devout believer.
4. Ananias told Paul that he would be a “witness to all men.”
5. He added detail about a vision he had while praying in the temple (Acts 22:17-21)

Making it Real

This is a week to tell stories! At family worship, talk about the importance of stories. Ask each person to share a story, especially one that might involve prayer, God’s keeping, or God’s direction. Even the little ones can tell a story. If you have small children, make sure each bedtime has a story before they are tucked in—a Bible story they’ve never heard before. 

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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being a grandmother to two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus, and a granddaughter, who’s delighting everyone with her smiles. She is blessed to have all three living close by, continually bringing joy and delight.