The Story That Is a Question, Part 3

It is no longer a news flash: The Christmas story is not a story; it’s a question. How is that possible? Because the whole purpose of the Christmas story is to ask a question. Let me explain with a series of stories; and to help us see some connections, let me highlight two key words  The children of Israel are slaves in Egypt and have been for centuries. It is a hopeless situation, and there is no indication that anything will ever change. These people will suffer and die in Egypt, not only as individuals, but as the people of Israel. But then, God speaks to Moses out of a burning bush and calls him to go to Pharoah and say those remarkable words, “Let my people go!” And Moses goes to Pharaoh, but Pharaoh won’t budge. In fact, Moses’ confrontation only makes things worse. In a show of force, Pharaoh prohibits the

The Story That Is a Question, Part 2

Everyone calls it the Christmas story. You probably call it the Christmas story. But the point of the Christmas story is that it is not a story at all. It is a question. But to see that, you have to have the right eyes. Let me explain with another story. The story of Elisha is also a question. In 2 Kings 6 we find Elisha in a difficult spot. He is a very wanted man, but not in the good sense. The king of Aram wanted him bound and gagged and forcefully brought before him. And for a very good reason. Israel and Aram were at war with each other, but every time the king of Aram made a move to gain a strategic advantage, he was thwarted.  Originally, he was sure there was a spy among his top military advisors, but they quickly set him straight. The problem was

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