Patriarch The Podcast

Today, Colin and John are talking about coping with change. What we hope you'll find interesting about this episode is that Colin works on the world stage, whereas John works in and with local communities. In this episode John and Colin discuss what we're struggling with, the guilt we often feel and how we can find peace in the difficulty.

Well this is it! The end of the story. Thank you so much to all of you who've journeyed with me, for your encouragement and insight. Do continue to feed back- I love it! And via www.biblenovels.com and the Biblenovels Facebook group, I'll keep you up to speed with what's coming next. I'm working on another Biblical character, but this time one you've probably not heard of or at least registered, which is crazy given how like Wally he just seems to keep popping up. But for now, it's time to say Goodbye to an old wonderful friend.

Surely the most romantic episode in the whole story: as Isaac meets Rebekah for the first time, "she became his wife and he loved her". As we approach the last couple of episodes, I can think of no better ending! We've waded through some pretty tough stuff on the journey, so let's indulge in a glorious human tale, as old as time itself: love at first sight! www.biblenovels.com

When I first wrote this episode I had  moment of self doubt and wondered if I had been a bit over indulgent. Was I making more of Rebekah as a confident self assured young woman than the text allowed? But then when I returned to the Biblical account, I realised afresh the space given to the story and the chapter that emerges through it justified my reflection that here is a woman who respected culture and traction and yet still had a voice. Listen, read and see what I mean!

We're approaching the end of the story but we still have time to introduce a remarkable young woman: Rebecca.  Her servant heart, her sense of adventure. Her voice mattered, and that says a lot about her and what she had to say. Listen in and you'll see what I mean. There is something about Rebecca. www.biblenovels.com

If you still think Biblical characters are intimidating, though hopefully by now you can see their humanity a little more clearly, imagine what it was like to be one of their kids. We pick up the story of Isaac, and the issues of single parenting that the newly widowed Abraham has to grapple with. Do leave your reflections on the bible novels facebook group, and visit www.biblenovels.com Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Colin answers more questions about why God chose to speak to and use Abraham and how he imagines Abraham responded to what God was saying. For more of the backstory behind Patriarch, some Bible reading notes and other extras visit www.biblenovels.com  and tell us what you think on the Biblenovels facebook group.

We continue to walk with Abraham through his bereavement and grief, and in the midst of it, remarkably, we find hope and fulfilment of the purposes and plans of God. Such are the eternal purposes of God, that they can redeem even the most wretched loss! If you need a window of hope right now, this might be it. www.biblenovels.com

Colin takes a break from recording Patriarch for a conversation with Simon Tuck and give us insights into why and how he wrote the book, what are his favourite bits and how they've shaped him. If you're enjoying Patriarch, you'll love this. If you haven't got into it yet, give this a quick listen and you just might!!!! www.biblenovels.com

There is one terrifying human experience we all share: bereavement. And whenever that pain is fuelled by regret, it can become, humanly speaking, unbearable. I spent some time reflecting upon a relatively short passage in the Genesis account, because these experiences are timeless and transcend culture. Faith in God doesn’t take away the pain. Often it accentuates it because of the depth of relationships and an openness to feel, which accompany a faith filled life. But faith does bring hope and comfort in loss and any regret. The reality of Abraham’s grief is evident, but the experiences of intimacy with the God, who can and does raise the dead, provide a safe and sure backdrop for this grief. I pray this podcast brings comfort to some and hope to all.