We ended last week with God’s people far from the land of promise. This week we see them living as exiles and longing for return, redemption and restoration.
There is promise and there is hope, as the prophets speak of a deliverer, but it is along time coming. Eventually the voices of prophets fall silent and it looks like God has forgotten his people.
Is this the end of the story?
Quick links
Week 6 readings Starting 8th April (for duplicating and distributing in church)
Week 4 readings Starting 25th March (for printing at home for personal use)
What is The Big Story?
The Big Story of the Bible is told through poetic prose with daily narrative readings and linking passages from elsewhere in the Bible, showing how it is all one connected story. Each week we find that the story might have ended, but with God’s grace it continues.
You can add the verses between the shorter readings if you want more Bible, or you can use just the story if you want something quicker. Suitable for adults and children, it’s very versatile, and can be used in many settings. You can use the readings daily, or cover all seven parts of the week’s theme together at a weekly Bible study group or on a Sunday.
Week 1 started in the time before time, and explored our place in creation, Week 2 traced the story of Abraham and his family, and Week 3 brought the children of Israel to the borders of the Red Sea. Week 4 saw life in the Promised Land and the rise of David as king and Week 5 followed the gradual decline into exile. The series will end with the glory of Easter.
Each week’s readings fit on a single side of A5, perfect to slip into a Bible. The readings start on Mondays, so that they can be distributed in church the Sunday before. Click here for a PDF of Week 6 (2 x A5 on A4). PDFs are published two weeks in advance to allow time for duplication and distribution. See below for all weeks.
The Big Story – Schedule of Readings
| Week | to be published | readings start | The Big Story |
| Week 1 | 18th February | 6th March (Ash Wednesday) | Creation to Fall |
| Week 2 | 25th February | 11th March | Fall to Egypt |
| Week 3 | 4th March | 18th March | Egypt to Red Sea |
| Week 4 | 11th March | 25th March | Red Sea to David |
| Week 5 | 18th March | 1st April | David to Exile |
| Week 6 | 25th March | 8th April | Exile to Silence |
| Holy Week | 1st April | 15th April | Christmas to Easter |
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Thank you.
The Big Story is free for you to use in your church, family or for your personal devotions. You may give it away but you must not sell it. Please do not add the documents to your website. Insead link to these pages on The Reflectionary. Please retain all copyright notices. The Big Story will be available in book format from Jan 2020.
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