The importance of Sharing Stories
Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation. (Joel 1:3 ESV)
We are three verses into the book of Joel at this point.
The first verse told us who the book’s message is from while the second verse expressed that the entire community should pay attention to what is to follow.
Now in verse three the community is given an instruction to share this story from generation to generation.
Why instruct your audience about sharing stories before stating what the event is that the LORD is speaking into?
Other passages in scripture with similar instructions:
We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done (Psalm 78:4 ESV)
and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD.” (Exodus 10:2 ESV)
So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. (Psalm 71:18 ESV)
Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it. (Psalm 22:30-31 ESV)
consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation 14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever. (Psalm 48:13-14 ESV)
that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, (Psalm 78:6 ESV)
Joel’s Point
The first audience to receive the LORD’s message through Joel would have been familiar with all the above passages that encourage sharing stories of the LORD’s deeds to all successive generations.
Joel’s intention is to remind his audience to continue sharing stories of the LORD so that future generations will know who and what the LORD is about. The specific story will be revealed to the audience in the next verse.
Today’s Point
Why do you think the scriptures above encourage sharing stories about God’s deeds to successive generations?
Are you sharing stories of God’s deeds with successive generations today?
How do you share stories of God’s deeds?
- Facebook?
- Twitter?
- LinkedIn?
- Blog?
- In Person?
- Other?
Have you, like Joel, taken time to listen to God for how to share His story through today’s current events?
I’d love to hear how you’re sharing stories of God’s deeds.
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
Other Posts Related to this Series:
Names and Their Meaning : Joel 1:1
Breaking News : Joel 1:2