Exodus 13:14

Stories shape society. We love books, movies, poems, plays, music, and anything that leaves our hearts stirred and our minds curious. From the beginning of time, stories have been used to communicate many truths and curate wonder in the listener. Specifically, philosophers have dated a time (5000 BC–700 BC) and labeled it as the “age of wonder,” where beliefs about creation, gods, family, and history were passed down through storytelling.

Some may not read the Bible as a continuous story. However, it actually originates with a story that intentionally counters surrounding Ancient Near Eastern creation myths by portraying a single, unrivaled Creator. Yahweh, who creates mankind for fellowship, not slavery. A God who is close, not far. A God who is knowable, and a God who redeems His people. The Scripture is a big story about how Yahweh God creates, rescues, and redeems His people. It’s captivating, riveting, and beautiful.

Exodus 13:14 reminds us today that stories are still powerful. For Moses and the children of Israel, the story of being freed from bondage was so important to God because He designed redemption to be remembered through stories. This echoes Jesus in Matthew when commanding the apostles to speak and not be afraid, for the Spirit will speak through them. Also, when giving the Great Commission to the disciples, He tells them to teach all that He has commanded, and John even concludes his epistle stating that there wouldn’t be enough books to write that could contain all of the stories! See, God invites redemption through stories because grace is learned by hearing what God has done, not by earning what He gives.

In this specific passage, God knows worship and grace will be questioned. Not “if” your son asks, but “when” they ask. This is basic family discipleship. Your children, your friends, or your co-workers will ask why you believe what you do, and why you do what you do. Be prepared to tell the story of going from slavery to deliverance. Be prepared to tell the story of how judgment was deserved, but God’s grace was given.

We love theology, and it is uber important! Parents and friends, whether you know it or not, God commands you to teach theology to your children. Not with a piece of chalk on a green chalkboard, but around the dinner table, at bedtime, while brushing their teeth, and while in their car seat. For those without children, the command of storytelling about God’s redemption expands far beyond little ones, to all who will listen and are curious. This is covenant discipleship, and Psalm 78:4 echoes this: “We will tell the next generation the glorious deeds of the LORD.”But oftentimes, redemption and grace can’t be taught through abstract statements or doctrines, but rather through theologically strong and cohesive stories. Children understand rescue missions and heroes long before rules. Your story as a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or friend will help shape the beauty of redemption long before your explanation of substitutionary atonement or Christus Victor will.
 
Some of you might say, that’s great, but I’m not C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien. Neither am I, but here are a few practical tips for sharing your story with your families this week. When telling the story of God’s redemption, center on God’s action and initiative, not your own merit. Avoid using statements like “I started going back to church,” or “I began searching for God.” Save giving credit to friends, mentors, spouses, or others for redemption until the end, as the story of grace always begins with God acting first (Deut. 7:7–8 & Eph. 2:8–9). Lastly, be specific but not explicit! Tell the story in detail, but be aware of what information and language you use. For example, avoid language like “It was a lot of fun, but I knew I shouldn’t be doing it,” “I loved doing that, but I know God says it’s wrong, so I’ll stop,” “It was such a fun time,” or “It was such a stress reliever.” Hopefully, you get the picture of what I mean. There is no glory in shame.

Furthermore, the New Testament assumes the same pattern as Exodus. When believers ask, “What does this mean?” the answer is still: “By a strong hand, the Lord brought us out.” Only now, not out of Egypt, but out of sin. Not Pharaoh, but the slave of death, and not the Passover lamb, but the true Lamb of God, Jesus. Our story is not grounded in personal feeling but in what the LORD did with a strong hand, which we then experienced and now testify to our children and peers about.

The challenge for you this week is simple. At dinner, at bedtime, in the car, or at the office, tell the story of how God changed your life and with a strong hand brought you out of death and brought you into new life by His grace. Pray for your families, and pray that generations of faith would rise in your family all because God has rescued and redeemed.