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As a young child I can remember hearing the stories of my favorite Bible heroes over and over again. Whether at Sunday School or at home, I marveled at the adventures experienced by Moses, Nehemiah, Esther, and John the Baptist.
Now as an adult, I read these same stories to my children.
I’ve lost track of the number of times I have heard these stories. I am often tempted to think I couldn’t possibly learn something new. Then I remember how endless the wisdom and insight of God is. So I humble myself and lean in. With that frame of mind, I almost always get a new revelation of His Word.
Take the story of David and Goliath for example.
Most of us know this story… The Israelites and the Philistines were at war. Instead of engaging in battle with a full army, the Philistines chose to send their champion fighter, Goliath, to challenge the Israelites to a one-on-one combat. The winner of the fight would claim victory for his side.
For forty days the challenge went unmet until young David came onto the scene. While visiting his brothers, David observed the standstill and was enraged. He didn’t understand why no one had stepped up to the challenge. Armed with only a slingshot and a rock, he volunteered to end the stalemate once and for all. He approached Goliath with confidence, knowing that no battle depends on size or weaponry.
Instead, David fought the enemy with his identity as a son of the Almighty God.
You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the army of Israel, whom you have defied. — 1 Samuel 17:45
I have always known that David trusted God and that’s why he was able to defeat Goliath, however, I didn’t realize how much his victory was tied to his identity. David understood Whose he was and the authority of that identity. Despite having heard the story many times, I learned something new.
I learned that my identity as a daughter of Almighty God allows me to overcome challenges that come my way. I received new revelation that I could apply directly to my life and share with my kids.
I did not learn this lesson the first, second, or even twentieth time I heard this triumphant tale. Each time I heard this story as a child it laid a foundation of faith in my life. Hearing it as an adult, then retelling it to my kids built upon that foundation… each time, creating an opportunity for me to learn something new.
The Word of God that we share with our kids now sets the stage for revelation throughout their lives. That’s why it’s never too early to share the Bible with them.
One of the resources that will help us do that is God’s Little Lambs Bible Stories by Julie Stiegemeyer. Children will learn about God’s love through the stories of Noah, Jonah, and Jesus. Plus, the padded cover is perfect for little hands to hold while we parents read.
Bibles stories aren’t just tall tales spun in an ancient text. They are the Word of God, rich with truth and power. As we read these stories to our kids over and over again we establish a foundation of faith and set them up for future spiritual growth and revelation.
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Your Turn
What are some of your favorite stories from the Bible to read with your kids? Did you have the Bible read to you as a child? If so, what are some the stories that have stayed with you the most? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
