Who doesn’t love a great story? From the time we are children, we learn of villains and heroes, evil witches and helpless princesses. We learn about good and evil in this world. In the end, we anticipate and eagerly await the victory. We all want good to win.
As we think about our common humanity in a world that is becoming increasingly more polarized, it is important that we remember the most important story. It begins, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). The story that starts in a garden culminates with the promise of the protagonist’s return, and the realization of a new heaven and a new earth. “Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen” (Rev. 22:20–21).
In the end, we win, though life is a formidable journey for so many of us. From the time the antagonist entered God’s good and beautiful physical realm to challenge and evolve doubt in God’s image bearers, we have been at war. We cannot figure this life out on our own. We cannot blame others for our own sins; we cannot build enough towers, have enough babies, grab enough power, insist on our own kings and kingdoms in order to have the lives we so desperately want. We still fail. We feel empty. We are tired and weary. We are alone. We lack clarity and purpose. We need guidance and help. We need a Savior.
This space is where Jesus, the Son of God—Immanuel, the very presence of God with us—enters the story. He alone can rescue. He alone can save. He can change the outcome of all of our stories. He finds what’s lost. He brings light to the darkness, healing for the sick, freedom for the captives, hope for the hurting. That’s redemption.
We all need the simple reminder that from the beginning to the end, the Bible is God’s beautiful story of redemption. It informs us of the author and Creator, God. It lets us know that we have been invited to participate in God’s story. Some of us are stage managers, others creative designers. Some will take roles on stage, while others serve as set crew. Some will handle the sound and lighting, others will master the music. Some will keep the auditorium clean, while others are selling tickets and welcoming casual observers with hearts of hospitality. We are all extending an invitation.
Come and see! Come and see! Come and see!
Together, we bear witness. We testify to the cross—the climax of the story that changes everything—and we wait. All creation waits for the children of God to reveal themselves, to be liberated from slavery and brought into freedom as God’s children (Rom. 8:18–21). In the finale, those children, “a great multitude that no one [can] count from every nation, tribe, people and language, [will stand] before the throne (Rev. 7:9)” of God declaring:
“Praise and glory
And wisdom and thanks and honor
And power and strength
Be to our God for ever and ever,
Amen.” —Revelation 7:12
It’s such a beautiful story.