Stories of people from another time, another place. But not just stories, these are beautiful paintings on the canvas of life. These are wisdom, to keep us safe in our own storms. We may call it “old testament” but it is in fact, our future!

The stories in the Bible are real life parables. Each one is a rich assortment of wisdom to be revealed. Layer after layer of truth and guidance for us today.

Some may say that we live in a different time so those are outdated images of the past. NO! Times may change, but humans are the same more importantly God never changes! The principles at work in these old stories are as relevant to our lives today as ever. Wisdom is based on principles, not details.

It is the process of stripping away details and seeing the principles that parables are made of. Jesus spoke in many parables. The stories of the old testament are a continual string of parables. It’s the same thing! The value of the stories is in the principles.

“He who has an ear, let him hear”. Do you have an ear? Can you read through those old stories and see guidance for your own daily life in every word? Is the old testament an exciting and overwhelming collection of depth? If not, perhaps our ears could use some cleaning!

We can have ears to hear and eyes to see, but they do not come from man’s process of study. Eyes and ears come through God’s grace and gift of the Holy Spirit. Only God Himself can open our eyes and ears. Seek Him first, and you will find wisdom. It’s not analysis, study, searching, academic reasoning. No. Wisdom is found in those quiet moments alone with God. Ask Him to reveal His wisdom to you. Ask Him to open your eyes to truth, to principle. Ask, and you shall receive!

Then the Bible comes alive! The life is not in the words themselves, but in the spirit that lives within you as you read or hear the words. God’s spirit is truth and wisdom. He will open your eyes if you ask Him diligently. Not once, not twice, but constantly. Seek Him daily.

Remember Lott’s wife, and remember all those stories we memorized as a child. Return to the Bible and read them again, but ask God to open your eyes to see deep. He will! And you will never be the same!