We have all experienced the power of story. Perhaps it was through the pages of a book whose characters kept us riveted through plot twists and turns until the climactic moment. Maybe it was our favorite movie that captured our attention and affection because of how it made us feel as it revealed the brave and sacrificial choices of our heroes and heroines. It might have been a story we heard from a grandparent that disclosed details about them and our family that we never would’ve imagined and left us with a sense of awe and pride. Even “stories” on social media channels have become platforms for chronicling life events.
God tells us stories in the Bible about interesting people. He doesn’t withhold the truth about these people whether it is good, bad, or ugly. This may be the reason we can so easily identify with their lives. God uses stories in the Bible to reveal truth. He is also writing our story, and He has invited us into His greater story. We matter because we are part of the ongoing plot of what God has done, is doing, and will do in our world.
So, what can we learn about God and ourselves as we look at the stories of people in the Bible? Could it be that stories in the Bible can help point us to our purpose? One philosopher has stated, “I cannot answer the question, ‘What ought I to do?’ unless I first answer the question, ‘of which story am I a part?’”
Bible Characters/Stories
1. Abigail (1 Samuel 25)
2. Barnabas (Acts 4:36, 11:25-26, 13:1-3)
3. David (1 Samuel 17)
4. Deborah and Jael (Judges 4)
5. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:1-20)
6. Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8)
7. Jacob (Genesis 32)
8. Job (Job 1:1-3, 2:3-10, 40:1-4)
9. John Mark (Acts 12:25-13:4,13, 15:36-41)
10. Jonah (Jonah 1-4)
11. Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25)
12. Josiah (2 Chronicles 34)
13. Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)
14. Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13)
15. Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 4:4, 9:1-13)
16. Moses (Exodus 3:1-12)
17. Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)
18. Noah (Genesis 6:8, 9:8-17)
19. Paul (Acts 9:1-22)
20. Peter (John 18:15-18, 25-27; 21:15-19)
21. Rahab (Joshua 2:1-21; Hebrews 11:31)
22. Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-27)
23. Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1-4)
24. Sarah (Genesis 18:10-15, 21:1-7)