As women who love Jesus, we often find ourselves searching for purpose and direction. But when we step back, we see a story that is much bigger than our own. The truth is our lives take on their fullest meaning when we see ourselves within God’s redemptive plan. We find purpose not just by pursuing our goals but by understanding that our stories are woven into His grand narrative of redemption.
God’s Story in the Old Testament
Reading the Old Testament can feel like navigating a maze—it’s often confusing, filled with unfamiliar names, dark judgment, and scenes that seem far removed from our modern life. Yet in these stories, God reveals Himself, His patience, and His relentless pursuit of broken people He created and loves. We begin to see that our disobedience, longings, and hopes echo those of God’s people from the very beginning.
The Hebrew Bible, what we know as the Old Testament often referred to as the TaNaK (an acronym for Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim—Law, Prophets, and Writings), tells the story of creation, humanity’s fall, and God’s plan to restore and redeem.
Making Sense of the Old Testament
- Creation (Gen. 1-2)–God creates a “tov” or good world and invites humanity to rule it with Him.
- The Fall (Gen. 3)–Humanity rebels against God, and sin enters the world, breaking the relationship with Him, one another, and creation.
- Abraham’s Calling (Gen. 12)–God promises to make Abraham’s family a blessing to all nations, beginning the story of Israel.
- The Exodus (Ex.)–God hears His people’s cry and delivers them from slavery, showing His power to save.
- The Promised Land and the Judges (Joshua, Judges)–Israel enters Canaan but cycles through disobedience, idolatry, repentance, and renewal, learning the cost of distrust and rebellion from God.
- The Kingdom Era (1-2 Sam; 1-2 Kings)–God raises up kings and prophets to lead His people as the people of God delve into more division, corruption, and bloodshed, showing a need for a perfect King to come.
- Exile and Return (Ezra, Nehemiah, Latter Prophets)–Israel’s rebellion leads to being conquered and exiled, but God promises a return, setting the stage for restoration.
These narratives reveal the depth of God’s covenant and loyal love as well as His determination to draw His people back to Himself. In each cycle of disobedience, repentance, and redemption, we see shadows of a Savior who would one day enter into our suffering and bring hope and peace to the never–ending cycle of suffering and humanity.
How to Read the Old Testament
Throughout history, people have approached the Old Testament with various lenses. Some see it as a source of heroes to emulate, others as a theological guide, and some as a book of inspirational teachings. But as we enter into the New Testament, we see that for Jesus and His apostles, the Hebrew Bible was a road map to the coming Messiah, who would fulfill the promises of restoration.
When we read the Old Testament with this in mind, it becomes not just a record of events or isolated stories but a tapestry that points to Jesus. The stories connect to a greater hope: that we are part of God’s ongoing work to bring life, healing, and reconciliation to the world.
What the Old Testament Says About God’s Story
When I think about how God is revealed in the Old Testament, one word stands out: Redeemer. Over and over, God steps into humanity’s mess, calls His people back to Himself, and provides a path to new life. He redeems broken relationships, forgives sin, and promises hope to a world desperately in need of it. In every struggle, in every story of rescue, in every unlikely character that He chooses to use, God invites us to find ourselves in His bigger story—a story of grace, forgiveness, and redemption.
As we grasp this larger story, we begin to see our lives with a deeper purpose—our own stories woven into God’s plan of redemption. This understanding compels us to share what we’ve found: a story of grace and forgiveness that brings true hope. In every conversation and every relationship, we have the chance to tell those around us of the Redeemer who invites each of us into a bigger story and purpose greater than we could imagine.
Jacki C. King
Jacki C. King is a respected and beloved Bible teacher, author, and dedicated ministry leader. Her passion involves guiding women toward a deep love for Jesus and His Word and encouraging them to embrace their mission in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
