Update: Congrats to Mary for winning this giveaway!
I’ve got a hands-down favorite, y’all: The Patriarchs.
The Patriarchs pulls back the curtain a bit and allows us to imagine and accept that these chosen, set-apart men who were promised blessings and experienced covenant with the Lord, those guys were human. Their weaknesses, shortcomings and sin were real parts of their lives. Sure, that’s encouraging, maybe it levels the playing field a bit. We get a good look at these men who are foundational figures of the Old Testament. You’lll get a good look at the family history and dynamics of these men—it’s informational and educational in that way.
But here’s what I loved about the study:
The we get a greater look at our God, who keeps His promises. As long as I can remember I’ve “known” that God makes promises. To this day I remember every word of the old hymn “Standing On the Promises.” But studying The Patriarchs fixed my thinking. My feeble view of promises didn’t hold a candle to the irrevocable covenant promises of our God.
To this day, eight years after doing the study, I still recall specific lessons from the session on Joseph and the reconciliation of himself to his brothers. The study allows you to enter into that moment, imagine the tensions and emotions that were likely present and the sacredness of that family moment. I saw for the first time the beauty of God’s gentleness toward Hagar. And teachings from the last week’s session about endings and how we are not wired for goodbyes, well, that lesson has helped me make sense of difficult days.
Hands-down, y’all. It’s my favorite.
What story from Scripture resonates with you the most (aside from the Gospel)?
Leave a comment answering the question, and you’ll be entered to win a Patriarchs small group kit, which includes the leader pack and five member books (a $250 value!).
By entering today’s giveaway, you acknowledge Lifeway Christian Resource’s official promotion rules. Today’s giveaway starts at the posting time of this blog and ends next Tuesday (10/22/13) at 11:59 p.m. CST. You must be 18 to enter, and you may only enter once. The winner will be selected at random. For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Bud Harlan at One Lifeway Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-140.
Amy Jacobs is a marketing strategist for the magazine and young adult ministries of Lifeway. In her spare time, she blogs at Gather and Build.