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- Apr 25, 2006
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Family Stories
Scripture Reading — Exodus 13:3, 14-16
“In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. . . .’”
— Exodus 13:14
My father-in-law tells a story about his grandfather returning from Norway with a fresh salmon wrapped in newspaper under his shirt, just to bring a taste of home back to the United States. The act and the retelling of the act have power. Stories shape family identity, weaving together memories and values.
At Roseland Christian Ministries, testimony plays a crucial role in worship. It recounts stories of God’s grace, provision, and faithfulness. In testimony, the church bears witness to God’s ongoing work in our lives. Testimonies are powerful because they highlight personal transformation and remind the community that God is always faithful.
In the Old Testament, storytelling was central for nurturing the faith of God’s people. God often described himself in terms of liberating actions: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Exodus 2:2). And the people retold this story while celebrating Passover each year to remember God’s deliverance. The regular retelling shaped them as a people.
What are the stories in your family or community that remind you of who you are? What stories of God’s faithfulness need to be retold to help reinforce your identity as a person of faith in Christ?
Lord, help us in retelling the stories of your faithfulness. May our shared memories of your grace and love inspire and strengthen us, deepening our trust in you. Amen.
About the author — Joe Huizenga
Joe Huizenga serves as pastor and executive director of Roseland Christian Ministries in Chicago, Illinois. He and his wife, Cate, have four children.
Scripture Reading — Exodus 13:3, 14-16
“In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. . . .’”
— Exodus 13:14
My father-in-law tells a story about his grandfather returning from Norway with a fresh salmon wrapped in newspaper under his shirt, just to bring a taste of home back to the United States. The act and the retelling of the act have power. Stories shape family identity, weaving together memories and values.
At Roseland Christian Ministries, testimony plays a crucial role in worship. It recounts stories of God’s grace, provision, and faithfulness. In testimony, the church bears witness to God’s ongoing work in our lives. Testimonies are powerful because they highlight personal transformation and remind the community that God is always faithful.
In the Old Testament, storytelling was central for nurturing the faith of God’s people. God often described himself in terms of liberating actions: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Exodus 2:2). And the people retold this story while celebrating Passover each year to remember God’s deliverance. The regular retelling shaped them as a people.
What are the stories in your family or community that remind you of who you are? What stories of God’s faithfulness need to be retold to help reinforce your identity as a person of faith in Christ?
Lord, help us in retelling the stories of your faithfulness. May our shared memories of your grace and love inspire and strengthen us, deepening our trust in you. Amen.
About the author — Joe Huizenga
Joe Huizenga serves as pastor and executive director of Roseland Christian Ministries in Chicago, Illinois. He and his wife, Cate, have four children.
