The Eternal Mystery Reader
This week, I was blessed to be the “Mystery Reader” for my daughter’s class for which I read Dragons Love Tacos. I have spent a lot of time on Zoom these last several months with both great and challenging moments, but this opportunity was a true highlight. I got to see their little faces up close to their cameras as they looked closely at the pictures in the book. I loved enjoying Dragons Love Tacos anew through their enthusiastic interest.
I sometimes wonder if the complexity and gravity of the Bible keeps us from hearing with the same enthusiasm the overarching joyful story of how God keeps coming to us to love us and care for us. I imagine God hoping for the Good News to sink in and bring us comfort and joy in the same way these kiddos leaned in to hear about how much dragons love tacos (as long as there isn’t any spicy salsa involved – spicy salsa gives dragons the tummy troubles). Certainly, the comprehensive story of creation, fall, deliverance, and new life is a much lengthier and more complex tome. On the other hand, there is no better story, no conveyance of greater hope, than what we find in scripture.
The complexity of the Bible provides an endless source for exploration. I continue to learn new things every time I prepare for a sermon or teach a class. One of the blessings of this difficult pandemic period has been co-teaching classes with Korey because we inevitably explore the ongoing ripples of grace throughout the Bible in new and different ways. In one of our most recent classes, he offered an exploration of the Book of Revelation that he learned while in Seminary. I have been thinking about it ever since.
While it might seem unusual or strange to read aloud the Bible with the same fervor I applied to Dragons Love Tacos, God likely desires with even more intensity for us to hear the ultimate story of love and redemption we explore every Sunday. I pray that in all that we share, you will know that this story is for you and God desires to come and write it on your heart for your eternal safe keeping.
We love you and God loves you.