Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God, understood by those around him as the return of the king and God’s presence with the people. As Jesus explains the kingdom of God through parables, we begin to see that mercy is at the center of it all. Jesus encourages his followers to be merciful and addresses their fear and doubt. Mercy opens doors and changes lives. Are we living into the mercy of Jesus?

Chapter 23 of The Story brings to mind two questions: Who is Jesus and who are the people who encounter him? Jesus is identified in 21 different ways in this lesson. Three of the four Gospels begin to answer the question of “who is Jesus” with his baptism and the declaration that Jesus is God’s Son. The tempter questions Jesus’ identity and tries to sow seeds of doubt. Who are the people who encounter Jesus? All of them are in trouble. All of them have been identified or labeled by society, but are transformed by Jesus’ presence and transformed for the better. Who IS this Jesus and who are we after we encounter him?

The Old Testament points to the coming of Jesus through the prophets. This baby, this Jesus, is not just a good man, a wise teacher, or a miracle worker – the baby who came is God, wrapped in human flesh. The same God who created the earth, who made a covenant with Abraham, lived and walked among us. He is Emmanuel, “God with us.” The world was brutal and broken yet God chose to come into this world. The story of Jesus birth tells us who God is and what he is doing. God full of mercy and grace and is at work bringing a new heaven and a new earth, through ordinary people and extraordinary details.

As the nation of Israel worked to restore Jerusalem, Nehemiah mourned, fasted and prayed for the people of Israel, confessing his sins and the sins of the people. Nehemiah started with God and prayed in all circumstances. He knew that God’s people needed more than restored buildings, but required people whose hearts were dedicated, filled with joy, and confident in the goodness of God.

The story of Esther reminds us that God is at work in all circumstances. Esther, an Israelite woman, claimed her role as queen and spoke for the Israelite people when they were under threat of genocide. God used Esther to save the people.

What is our role in the story? Are we carrying forward God’s kingdom here and now by embracing our part in the story?

God’s people have been carried away in exile and they cry out for God’s help. Instead of Hollywood-size special effects – flash and bang - God uses the ordinary. God moves in the heart of people to bring about healing and restoration, reflecting his grace and mercy. What do we carry in our hearts, deep within our spirits?

The book of Daniel talks about courage and faith in a time of exile. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, administrators for the king, stand up to angry King Nebuchadnezzar when he demands they worship an idol. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have “a long obedience in the same direction” to God. They know God is faithful and refuse to obey the king. As a result, they are thrown into the fiery furnace. How can we cultivate such courage in our lives? What does it take to be courageous?

Despite all of God’s warnings to Judah and its kings to change their ways, they continued to ignore him and they were handed over to Nebuchadnezzar. Judah was devastated and seemed to be without hope, but God would still remain faithful to his promises. Through Ezekiel, God reminded his people that he would one day cleanse and restore them – as he would bring those dry bones back to life. He assured them they would return to their homeland, and he promised that he would be their God and they would, again, be his people. It’s important for us to remember that there is ALWAYS hope because God is with us.

Chapter 16 of “The Story” continues the story of the divided kingdom of Israel. Judah, in the south, was ruled by Hezekiah, a king of great faith. Assyria, which already ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel, threatened Judah as well. With the support of the prophet Isaiah, King Hezekiah put his trust in God and Judah was saved from the Assyrians.

Reflecting on our lives, are we choosing the right tools to overcome our own challenging circumstances? Do we have to long vision to recognize that the challenges of today will not weaken God’s bigger story of restoration, healing and salvation of the world?

In Chapter 14 of "The Story," God’s people are wavering and spiritually wandering. God sends his messengers (prophets) to turn the hearts of the people back to him. The prophet Elijah challenges the priests of baal and God shows his presence mightily. Yet God’s success breeds human anger and Elijah flees for his life. When Elijah is at the end of his rope, out of strength, angel attends him and God’s compassion restores him.

We can’t escape hard times. In the work of Christ, we can often feel defeated, weary, and overwhelmed but God’s compassionate care is always offered. Restoration is on its way.