Life Lessons

 Have you ever thought the Old Testament was boring and not very relevant to our lives today?

I grew up in the late 60’s-early 70’s. My Old Testament experience was probably that of many others ....  memories of sitting in Sunday school (flannelgraph boards and pastel colored maps on a stand) being bored, confused, and, when it came to the Old Testament, often having more questions than answers.

I wondered how the people back then even remembered all the regulations, rules, feasts and sacrifices, let alone kept them. When we talked about the united kingdom, the divided kingdom, and the difference between the nations of Israel and Judah, I was lost. Also I couldn’t pronounce all the strange sounding names. When the Hitties, Jebusites, Gergashites etc. came along, I really checked out!

The wisdom literature was a whole different story. I basked in Proverbs and to this day feel that David was somehow speaking from my soul too when he wrote many of the psalms. But the law, the history, the prophecies…. well, let’s face it; we had gotten off on the wrong foot!

Several years ago, I was asked to teach a ladies’ Bible class and handed a stack of books from which to choose. Among these was one on the Old Testament called 4000 Years in Thirteen Weeks by Sue Crabtree. My first thought was “No way I’m choosing this one!” As I looked through it, however, I was surprised to see straightforward simplicity instead of the confusion and complication I’d expected, so I changed my mind. This was an excellent and life changing decision.

As the first class approached, I began to read the book of Genesis in preparation. I’d received a copy of The Message as a gift, and while I wouldn’t recommend it as a “study Bible,” for helping a story or general principle “come to life,” it is great. I read with new eyes and found myself entranced by stories I’d heard many times. In context of the larger story, the pieces started to come together. 

I found myself craving the messages God could show me through an increased understanding of the Old Testament. In some 16 hours per week searching the scriptures and preparing for the classes, what I found was depth and richness I never knew existed. In short, I ended up creating a new study based on the applications found there and walked away from that class with a “ton” of material and wanting to do it all over again.

I’m no scholar and still couldn’t read a map to find my way across town, but what I did learn is how much the Old Testament people are exactly that…people… just like you and just like me. I learned that their stories are rich in lessons about life, about God and about relationship with God.

Through their stories we are captivated; we are challenged. And hopefully we are changed.

I also learned that, in a world without constants where it seems everything changes, human nature doesn’t. Generations come and go through time and across cultures, but human nature remains the same. … and so does God’s. The more I come to know and love Him, the more thankful I am that God in the Old Testament is God today. His power, His grace, and His love are as constant now as they were when He created the world, when He redeemed the world, and as they will be for eternity.

For years I thought of writing a book - but that isn’t going to happen!

Instead, I’d like to share the study here and invite you to join me, to add your own comments, and to invite others to come along on the adventure as we explore life lessons courtesy of a fascinating cast from past!

Let’s start with the Leading Ladies of Genesis…