Welcome to Day 2549 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2549 – Old Testament Orientation – The Grand Narrative of the Old Testament

Putnam Church Message – 01/12/2024

Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation
Message 2: The Grand Narrative of the Old Testament

Last week, we started a new series called Old Testament Orientation. We answered the question, “What is the Old Testament?” We explored how it is ultimately linked to the New Testament and that The entire Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus.

This week, we are continuing our series and exploring ‘The Grand Narrative of the Old Testament.’

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we gather here today to explore the beauty and depth of Your story revealed in the Old Testament. Open our minds and hearts to see Your hand at work, weaving redemption and hope through every page. May we learn to trust You more deeply and understand our place in Your grand narrative. Guide us now by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction

The Old Testament isn’t just a collection of ancient laws, prophecies, and genealogies. It is a grand narrative—a sweeping story of God’s work among humanity, beginning with creation and pointing forward to ultimate redemption. For the ancient Israelites, this story was not just history; it was their identity, faith, and hope.

The difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament is that the Old Testament is the story primarily of Israel. Starting with Genesis 12 all the way through the Old Testament, the story is focused on Israel. After the world implodes in Genesis 1-11, God decides to preserve a remnant so He can get what He desires, and what he desires is a human family. So, out of the chaos and depravity, he calls Abram, changes his name to Abraham, and starts over the Edenic (Garden of Eden) plan. God says, “I want a human family. That is why I created humanity. Things have gone terribly, but I am not giving up. I am going to take this one guy and his wife who cannot have children, and I am going to supernaturally create a people from them, and that is how I am going to keep the plan alive to eventually bring all nations back to me.”

The nations dispersed at Babbel were reunited when Jesus Christ began God’s kingdom on earth, and Pentecost was bringing together all nations under Christ.

Today, we’ll walk through the grand narrative of the Old Testament from an ancient Israelite’s perspective. We must take on the mindset of an ancient Israelite. (Bulletin) We’ll focus on:

1. God as Creator and Sustainer
2. God’s Covenant with His People
3. The Consequences of Disobedience
4. The Hope of Redemption

Let’s immerse ourselves in the story and see how it speaks to our lives today.

1. God as Creator and Sustainer

The story begins with God’s act of creation. Genesis 1:1 declares, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” For the Israelites, this was not just an explanation of origins but a proclamation of God’s authority over all creation. From a Divine Council worldview, this narrative also introduces the unseen realm, where God presides over a council of divine beings who serve Him in governing the cosmos. (Psalm 82:1) God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings.

In ancient Israelite belief, God’s supreme authority was unique compared to surrounding nations. Neighboring cultures often depicted multiple gods vying for power in chaotic creation myths. However, in the Hebrew worldview, Yahweh alone was the sovereign Creator,/ but delegating some authority to created spiritual beings/ who were part of His heavenly host. This reinforces the central theme of God’s unrivaled supremacy and His intentional design for both the visible (seen) and invisible realms. (unseen)

Creation narratives were common across the ancient Near East, but Israel’s story was strikingly different. Neighboring cultures, such as the Babylonians with their Enu/ma Elish epic, depicted creation as the result of conflict among capricious gods. For instance, in Babylonian mythology, the god Marduk defeats the chaos goddess Tia/mat and fashions the world from her body. These stories reflected a worldview of uncertainty and divine rivalry.

In contrast, the Israelite account revealed a single, sovereign God creating out of love and order, not conflict. This monotheistic perspective offered the Israelites a unique understanding of their world: it was purposeful, designed, and overseen by a benevolent Creator. Their belief that humans were created in God’s image (or a better interpretation is that we are imagers of God) (Genesis 1:27) underscored their intrinsic value and role as stewards of creation. Additionally, the phrase “us” in Genesis 1:26, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us,” likely reflects God addressing His divine council (heavenly court), underscoring the collaborative nature of rulership while affirming that humanity is uniquely created by God Himself.

Object Lesson #1: A Potter and Clay

(Piece of Pottery) The potter shapes the clay with intention and care, just as God shaped the world and humanity. As Isaiah 64:8 says, “We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.”

For the Israelites, this imagery resonated deeply. Clay was a common material in their daily lives, used for everything from storage jars to cooking vessels. The potter’s skill in molding the clay symbolized God’s sovereignty and care in shaping His people. Unlike the chaotic and impersonal forces described in other ancient Near Eastern creation stories, the God of Israel was intimately involved in every detail, forming His creation with purpose and love. This understanding reinforced their identity as a chosen people, handcrafted by the Creator Himself.

Cultural Perspective

The Israelites’ understanding of creation shaped their worldview. They saw themselves not as insignificant players in a chaotic cosmos but as chosen participants in God’s purposeful plan. Their laws, worship, and daily lives reflected this belief, setting them apart from the nations around them. Additionally, their understanding of God’s divine council emphasized that Yahweh alone presided over both the spiritual and earthly realms, ensuring that no other god could rival His power.

Core Verse – Key Scripture: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him” (Psalm 24:1, NLT).

2. God’s Covenant (Contract) with His People

God’s story with humanity takes a pivotal turn in Genesis 12 when He calls Abraham. “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others” (Genesis 12:2, NLT). This covenant forms the foundation of Israel’s identity.

In the Divine Council worldview context, God’s covenant with Abraham marked a turning point in His plan for humanity. After the rebellion at Babel (Genesis 11), God disinherited the nations, assigning them to lesser divine beings (Deuteronomy 32:8-9, NLT). When the Most High assigned lands to the nations, when he divided up the human race, he established the boundaries of the peoples according to the number in his heavenly court.^[a] “For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession.

He chose Abraham and his descendants as His own portion, through whom He would eventually reclaim all the nations.

Covenants (contracts) were common in the ancient Near East. They often served as agreements between kings and their subjects or between equals to ensure loyalty and mutual benefit. These covenants included stipulations,/ blessings for obedience, /and curses for disobedience, /and they were often ratified through rituals such as animal sacrifices.

However, God’s covenant with Abraham was profoundly different. Unlike the conditional and transactional agreements typical of the time, God’s promise to Abraham was initiated unilaterally by God and rooted in grace. While obedience was expected, the covenant was ultimately sustained by God’s faithfulness, not Abraham’s performance. This highlighted God’s sovereignty and deep commitment to His creation.

Illustration: A Family Tree

Show a simple family tree and explain how Abraham’s descendants grew into the nation of Israel. Each name and branch represents God’s faithfulness to His promise. Despite their failures, God’s covenant endured. The Israelites saw themselves as heirs of this promise, chosen by Yahweh to be a light to the nations and a means through which He would reclaim the world from spiritual darkness. (Picture)

Related Story: The Exodus

The Exodus is the defining story of God’s covenant faithfulness. For the Israelites, it wasn’t just a tale of liberation but the cornerstone of their identity and faith. God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt demonstrated His unmatched power and His deep commitment to His people. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry ground (Exodus 14), it was a tangible reminder that their God was not like the gods of other nations. He was a God who actively intervened in history.

In ancient Israelite culture, the Exodus was commemorated annually during Passover. This feast wasn’t merely a ritual but a reenactment of God’s salvation, a time to teach future generations about His mighty deeds and unwavering covenant love. The Passover meal symbolized the bitter slavery of Egypt, the sacrificial lamb, and the unleavened bread that sustained them as they fled.

The Exodus also shaped their understanding of worship and law. At Mount Sinai, the covenant was reaffirmed with the giving of the Torah (Exodus 19-20). The laws weren’t just rules; they were a guide for living as God’s redeemed people, distinct from the surrounding nations. Every act of obedience was a declaration of their allegiance to Yahweh, the God who had brought them out of bondage.

This foundational story influenced their psalms, prophecies, and even their view of the land of Canaan. The journey from slavery to freedom was a metaphor for their spiritual journey—a call to trust in God’s provision and sovereignty, even when faced with challenges. Additionally, the Exodus narrative reinforced the belief that Yahweh was the supreme God,/ greater than the gods of Egypt and the surrounding nations.

Key Scripture: “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery” (Exodus 20:2, NLT).

Object Lesson #2: A Marriage Contract

God’s covenant with Israel was like a marriage. Just as vows bind two people together, the covenant bound God and Israel in a relationship of love and loyalty. For the Israelites, this reinforced their understanding of God as both a sovereign ruler and a loving partner who sought their flourishing and faithfulness.

3. The Consequences of Disobedience

Despite God’s faithfulness, Israel often turned away to worship other gods. Idolatry, injustice, and rebellion led to cycles of judgment and repentance. For the Israelites, idolatry was not just a spiritual failure; it was a breach of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, akin to breaking a sacred vow. (RIP) Worshiping other gods often involved adopting the practices and values of surrounding nations, which stood in stark contrast to the holiness God required of His people.

In the ancient Near East, idol worship was deeply ingrained in society. It often included rituals to secure fertility, prosperity, or protection, and these practices were tied to tangible symbols like statues or sacred sites. For Israel, however, Yahweh’s covenant called for exclusive devotion, reflecting His unique identity as the one true God. Disobedience in the form of idolatry was seen as a betrayal that led to both spiritual and national consequences, including exile and suffering.

The prophets repeatedly warned against idolatry, using vivid imagery to describe it as unfaithfulness or even adultery against Yahweh. Hosea, for example, portrayed Israel’s idolatry as the actions of an unfaithful spouse, highlighting the depth of the betrayal. Yet, even in judgment, God’s mercy remained evident. The exile was not merely punitive; it was corrective, designed to bring His people back to repentance and reliance on Him.

Illustration: A Broken Bridge

Use a model or drawing of a broken bridge to symbolize how sin creates separation between humanity and God. Just as a broken bridge disrupts the path,/ Israel’s disobedience led to exile and disrupted their relationship with God. However, the promise of restoration always remained—a testament to God’s enduring love.

Key Scripture: “Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets to warn his people, for he had compassion on his people and his Temple. But the people mocked these messengers of God” (2 Chronicles 36:15-16, NLT).

Related Story: The Exile (Talk about northern and southern kingdoms)

When Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and exiled its people, it seemed like the end of the story. For the Israelites, the Exile was a defining moment that reshaped their identity and faith. Removed from the land and temple that symbolized God’s presence, they grappled with profound questions: Who were they without the Promised Land? Could they still worship Yahweh in a foreign land? This period forced them to reflect deeply on their covenant relationship with God.

In exile, the Israelites began to understand that their relationship with Yahweh was not confined to a specific location or temple. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel offered hope and guidance, emphasizing that God’s presence was not limited to Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s vision of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31) highlighted the possibility of an internal relationship with God, rooted in the heart rather than external rituals.

The spiritual impact of the Exile was immense. It marked the beginning of significant shifts in Israelite worship practices. Without the temple, they developed traditions of synagogue gatherings, prayer, and the study of Torah as central aspects of their faith. These practices sustained their identity as God’s people and prepared them for future restoration.

Culturally, the Exile also influenced the Israelites’ view of themselves as a remnant chosen to uphold Yahweh’s covenant. The Israelites’ perseverance during this time became a testimony to God’s faithfulness and their enduring hope in His promises. (New Covenant = Jesus Christ)

Key Scripture: “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah” (Jeremiah 31:31, NLT).

4. The Hope of Redemption

The Old Testament story ends with hope. The prophets foresaw a time when God would restore His people and establish His kingdom. This hope culminates in the promise of a Messiah who would bring ultimate redemption.

Illustration: A Candle in the Darkness

Light a single candle in a dark room to symbolize the hope of the Messiah. Even in the darkest times of exile and silence, God’s promise burned brightly.

Key Scripture: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine” (Isaiah 9:2, NLT).

Related Story: The Remnant

When a small group of Israelites returned to rebuild Jerusalem, they represented the remnant of God’s faithful people. Their efforts pointed to a more significant restoration yet to come.

Key Scripture: “But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned” (Psalm 34:22, NLT).

Application: Three Takeaways (Bulletin)

1. God’s Story Includes You
   • Summary Narrative: The grand narrative of the Old Testament reminds us that God’s plan is inclusive, weaving every individual into His redemptive story. Each of us has a role to play in this divine masterpiece. For the Israelites, being part of God’s story meant remembering their heritage,/ teaching it to their children, /and living as a light to the nations.
   • Historical Example: The Israelites celebrated festivals like Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles to pass down their history and reinforce their identity as participants in God’s story. These traditions ensured that each generation knew their place within the divine plan.
   • Illustration: Think of a mosaic made of thousands of tiny tiles. Each tile is unique, but together, they form a masterpiece. God’s grand narrative includes each of us as a piece of His divine mosaic.
   • Key Scripture: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT).
2. God’s Faithfulness is Unchanging
   • Summary Narrative: Just as God remained faithful to Israel through their trials and exile, He remains steadfast and unchanging in His promises to us today. His faithfulness is the foundation of our hope.
   • Historical Example: During the Exile, God’s faithfulness was evident in the preservation of the Jewish people, the ministry of prophets like Ezekiel and Daniel, and the eventual return to Jerusalem under leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah. These moments underscored God’s unchanging commitment to His covenant.
   • Story: Share the testimony of a person who experienced God’s faithfulness through difficult times, paralleling Israel’s story of exile and restoration.
   • Key Scripture: “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23, NLT).
3. Live in Hope of Redemption
   • Summary Narrative: The Old Testament’s promise of a Messiah reminds us that redemption is always at work, even when unseen. The Israelites clung to prophecies like those in Isaiah, anticipating a future where God’s kingdom would be fully realized. Our hope lies in God’s perfect timing and unchanging plan.
   • Historical Example: The faithful remnant who returned to rebuild Jerusalem displayed hope in action. Despite opposition and hardship, they rebuilt the temple, symbolizing their belief in God’s promise of restoration.
   • Illustration: Use a seed planted in soil. Though it seems buried and forgotten, it will grow into something beautiful. Likewise, God’s promises often take time to unfold, but they never fail.
   • Key Scripture: “Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13, NLT).

So this week, meditate on the fact that God’s story includes you, that God’s faithfulness is unchanging, and that you should live in the hope of redemption because you are part of God’s grand narrative.

Message for next week: “The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament” – Old Testament Orientation – Joshua 1:8

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for the story of redemption woven throughout the Old Testament. Help us to see Your hand at work in history and in our lives. Strengthen our faith as we trust in Your promises, and fill us with hope as we live for You. May Your Word guide and sustain us each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.