In a spasm of domestic rectitude, I creep out of bed at 5:30 a.m., thinking that I will surprise my wife and do the weekly ironing. For nearly three score years she has beaten me to the ironing board, but recovering from medical indignities, she sleeps.
Dressing silently, I tiptoe to the kitchen, plug in the iron, and before I start work on a shirt, my soul aglow with self-esteem, I celebrate my virtue by dialing to the good music radio station. Without warning my piety is pricked by the stunning strains of Rimsky Korsakov's "Scheherazade." The spectacular music reminds me of the story of Scheherazade and her scary affair with the caliph who has the custom of marrying a new bride each evening only to have her decapitated at dawn, ostensibly to guard against the inconvenience of a possible heir that might be a challenge to his throne.
Aware of the great man's birth control measures, Scheherazade, a bright young resident of his harem, conspires to outwit the caliph. When her turn comes, she decides she will tell him an intriguing story.
And so it's story time and the smart girl weaves a plot that both grips and enchants the caliph. There is adventure, excitement, and suspense. And then she yawns . . .
"Time for bed," she murmurs.
"But," protests her lord, "What happens next?"
"Tomorrow night," she sighs, "I'll tell you then."
Nothing the caliph says moves her. The decapitation ceremony is postponed. His highness must hear the rest of her story.
The following night she completes the odyssey and begins another. Her strategy is repeated. Again and again, for a thousand and one nights, the great man is enthralled by the power of a story well told. Before long the caliph finds the resourceful maiden so delightfully captivating that he falls in love and decides to keep her.
The Gospel story
The old Arabian tale should wake up those of us who preach and teach, who tell the gospel story. The mystery of Deity Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the special work of the angels; the wonders of the uni verse; the creation of the earth and the astonishingly high-risk proposal to create free-willed beings designed to actually look and act like their Creator. There is also the mysterious, pervasive power of divine love, the fantastic complexity and beauty of the earth with its billions of fascinating life forms all make superb subject matter for exciting stories.
The mighty Lucifer and the mystery of iniquity, the distrust and rebellion of our parents, and God's wise, just, and loving program for their rehabilitation each makes for a grand story. Will the plan work? Will Godly love and obedience replace self-willed impudence and rebellion? Will the mind of God, the faith and expectations of His Son ever be infused into the hearts and brains of His wayward children? What will the plan cost? Is it feasible? How does it work in the lives of modern men and women?
And then, the Incarnation, the human nature, the ministry, and the awesome, terrifying crucifixion of God's Son, the Lamb of God who sheds His blood, taking our punishment so that we might live with Him; the powers of darkness in deadly conflict with the powers of light; all are elements for a gripping story. And then, there's a "live time" report on what is going on now.
What happens next? You want big music? How about the "trump of God"? How will the cataclysmic war turn out? God's final, cosmic solution for sin on one hand, and the eternal destiny of those who choose His kingdom on the other. It's the great drama, the drama of the ages. Talk about power, glory, bright lights, mystery, and suspense!
The story told for all its worth
A few years ago I was invited to participate in a conference of Adventist editors and writers from around the world. Lots of good talk, but the focus was mainly on the need to adjust to cultural, lifestyle, and psychological changes among the youth. An authority on the subject shook us up. His thinking was carrying the day. Grateful for his insights, but uncomfortable with the emphasis, I repeatedly erupted with the suggestion that realistic, creative presentations depicting the wonder, harmony, cohesion, grandeur, and beauty of God's plan for our salvation really can be made to appeal to young people. Though heard politely, I sensed that I was deemed old fashioned out of sync.
While listening to the analyses and prognostications of sociologists and psychologists, we would do well to think of Scheherazade and her insightful strategy and winning ways. Unless our ministries actually portray the kingdom of God, with all its mystery and suspense, in all its majesty the sword will fall. It will fall not the caliph's but the tragic, fateful indifference of our youth and the inexorable judgment of a holy and righteous God who holds us responsible for the blood of those for whose salvation we labor. By a thread the sword hangs over our heads. This time its like the sword of Damocles.
The story about God and His work is full of high drama, surprise, justice, suspense, incredible love, and happily, harmony and eternal resolution. With the Spirit-guided gift of imagination it can and must be told so it grips the minds and hearts of the young and the old.
Now, back to the ironing. . . .
