A popular blogger shared, “We tell our stories to keep them alive.”

I immediately thought of Farm Days, the collection of childhood memories of growing up on the family farm in central Illinois. I had hoped to write it for years, because I saw the culture of small family farms dwindling, and I didn’t want future generations to lose out on the adventures I had experienced. I wanted to keep the stories alive.

But as I considered what the popular blogger said, I thought of how much bigger the statement is. Yes, we tell stories to keep them alive…especially the one that is life-giving.

For many years, what is now written in Scripture was passed along verbally. Even as it was read from early scrolls, only a few actually had access and read from the scrolls. Others listened and shared and discussed in their families and communities. They walked along the roads sharing the stories. The stories became part of them. They listened, absorbed, and lived the teachings out loud.

And these stories aren’t just made up stories and illustrations. They are real life and real truth, powerful enough to speak the voice of God and reveal the heart of God.

We tell Jesus’ story to keep others alive.

Whether or not we share the truth of God and his holy Word doesn’t add to or detract from it. The life-giving power is and always has been God’s.

In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were made by him, and nothing was made without him. In him there was life, and that life was the light of all people. (John 1:1-4)

But just because we’re not the actual life-givers doesn’t exclude us from the power given to us. God gives us access to his power.

Jesus said to them, “The Father is the only One who has the authority to decide dates and times. These things are not for you to know. But when the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” (Acts 1:7-8)

We share Jesus’ story because he’s told us to do so. He’s equipped us to do so. Sharing his story gives others’ the opportunity to experience his life-giving power.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

What stories are you sharing? Whose stories are you sharing?