Since I was barely out of the womb, I’ve been in church. Sunday school, bible studies, small groups, sermons. I figure I’ve got several years worth of hours of teaching soaked in there somewhere. I’m still amazed that I’m still not getting it.
But as I’ve looked at the familiar Bible characters lately, I’m seeing them differently as I read with an open mind. All those great heros of faith were also involved in the most sordid of sinful ways. Murder. Adultery. Bribery. Lying. Cheating. Gambling, Addictions. The Bible doesn’t hold anything back, so why should we? This rosy picture that the world presumes upon the bible and it’s adherents just isn’t so. We aren’t a bunch of goody two shoes.
We are broken, needy people. Just like them.
Why does the bible talk about Noah’s drunkenness, David’s adultery and Elijah’s depression? Why does it show Samson’s lust, Adam’s complacency and Peter’s cowardice? Why not just talk about the good parts. It’s because it wants our heroes to be real – and for God’s redemption and grace to shine through.They are real men, with real weaknesses. And they serve a real God, who offers restoration.
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| Romanian 7-year old Julian Stroe has better abs than I do. |
We each have our own story. There are some successes, some failures and some utter disasters. I have my own story. And for years, I’ve been dragging my tail around in defeat. But I’m starting to find some good company in the Good Book.
If you’ve screwed up, you might feel that that one act defines who you are. But it doesn’t. A single chapter doesn’t make a whole book. You’re still breathing right here, right now. So that means the story is still being told.
Please, share with a friend if you feel moved.
Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert
Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert
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