The Centrality of Narrative in God’s Revelation

2007-05-24

Narrative as genre in Biblical writings comprises the vast majority of God’s revelation. Since storytelling has been in existence since time immemorial, and that the concept of story is something familiar in all cultures, it makes sense that: (1) the Bible is largely written in narrative, and (2) the Bible ought to be taught as a narrative. This is why we are focused on teaching preliterate societies at the ends of the earth in this particular fashion.

It comes as no surprise to us that vast portions of poetic expression found in the Bible, in the Psalter and otherwise, are also narrative. Psalm 136 is a primary example of recounting things God has accomplished. This antiphonal psalm recalls the wonders of God’s creation ex nihilo by mere spoken word to the continuous salvation of His people throughout history. The refrain “for his mercy endureth for ever” is interwoven for good reason: God was all-powerful and He saved His people, and He still is all-powerful today. In Jesus Christ, we know the fullness of our salvation, that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God and the certainty of eternal life. The psalm, through story, reminds us of what God has done in fulfilling His promises, and that He is the same God today.

God’s story, from the grandeur of creation to the salvific acts of God throughout history, repeatedly shows us the lowliness of humankind and the extreme lovingkindness and patience that God has for us. He has not given up on us; rather, He did not withhold His only begotten Son to speak to us in these troubling times. It is imperative to remember that we are a part of that story. People today, in a sense, share in the plight of the Israelites of former times in that they cannot be perfect before God. They need to see their inability to reach the God of creation, and that He will deliver from hopeless eternity those who look to the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ, who died for the iniquity and shame of the world.