Article January 6, 2025 Issue

Same old story, brand new insights

There’s always more to learn—even when we think we’ve heard a Bible story a thousand times

Gretchen Newby

“Here we go,” I thought. “Daniel and the lions’ den . . . again.”

I was at the weekly testimony meeting of our local branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and the Bible readings had just begun with this familiar story. I’d heard it repeatedly in Christian Science Sunday School while growing up, and as an adult I’d taught it to my own Sunday School students. Over the years, it had been included in countless weekly Bible Lessons from the Christian Science Quarterly, and I’d heard it read many times in church services.

Because I knew the story so well, I was tempted to zone out during that service. But instead I prayed, “OK, God. Teach me something new.” Then I listened carefully to the readings.

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