SYNOPSIS

This synopsis contains some context not portrayed in the ballet.

HEAR, O ISRAEL

Moses addresses the ancient Israelites with the famous words from Deuteronomy 6 - "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one." He instructs them to love God with all of their heart, soul, and strength, and to keep God's commands on their hearts, and to diligently teach them to their children. These words are echoed again by a group of modern day listeners, who carry the same message. The LORD our God, the LORD is one.

This opening scene ends by drawing our attention to one listener in particular, a woman whose efforts to teach her growing child the commands and love of God are woven throughout the rest of the ballet as interludes to the biblical scenes.

This one-and-only God has been reaching out to humankind, connecting with us, calling to us, giving us laws for our good and our flourishing, from the very beginning. These promise-laden connections, or covenants, show us why God is worthy to be loved with all of our beings, to be worshipped, because He always keeps His promises.

ADAMIC/EDENIC COVENANT

At Creation, God made man and woman in His image, they lived in harmony with Him in the good home He gave them. But when they sinned against His command, that harmony was broken and their shame left them vulnerable and exposed. But God's plan was not thwarted. He provided the first promise in the form of a sacrificial animal whose skin clothed the people -- I myself will provide the covering for your shame.

NOAHIC COVENANT

Several generations later, the sin-sick world was so wicked that God determined to destroy His creation. But after the Great Flood, God made a promise to Noah as he worshiped through sacrifice, and sealed it with a rainbow in the clouds -- Never again will a flood destroy all flesh.

ABRAHAMIC COVENANT

Again, time passes. And God comes to man named Abraham. He calls him to leave his home and his father's family, and follow to a place he does not know. God tells Abraham he will have descendants that outnumber the stars. When the promise is confirmed again by three mysterious visitors, Abraham's barren wife Sarah laughs in disbelief. But miraculously, God does keep even this promise... their Isaac, son of laughter, is born to Sarah and Abraham. When the child is a little older, God shows Abraham just how trustworthy He actually is. He tells Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, a ritual though foreign and unthinkable to our sensibilities, was regularly practiced by pagan nations and peoples of the day. Abraham walks by faith in this God and His promises, not knowing how His words could be fulfilled, but obeying nonetheless. But, in a poignant foretelling of Christ himself, God stays Abraham's hand and provides a ram in Isaac's place. God is once again saying: I, myself, will provide all that is necessary.

MOSAIC COVENANT

Abraham's family does indeed grow to become an entire nation, called by God. He provides for them and leads them. When they become enslaved in Egypt, he raises up a deliverer named Moses to lead them out of bondage. God shows His might and His glory as He does the impossible -- parting the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape on dry land, only to destroy their enemies in pursuit. With Moses to lead them, they travel through the desert. And though they grumble and complain, and doubt His goodness, God shows again and again -- I am your provider. I promise to lead you - trust me. As we saw in the opening scene, God ultimately gives the people His commands and laws to guide them. God's law shows how life works best. It also shows the standard we fail to keep every day.

DAVIDIC COVENANT

As time passes, the people have several leaders called judges, but eventually they demand to be ruled by a king like the other nations. God warns them, and their first king fails to submit himself to God, but in His kindness, God raises up for the people a king "after His own heart." We first meet this king-to-be as a young shepherd boy, who guards his flock from danger and sings over them with his loving care. And though just a boy, God uses young David to defeat the terrible Philistine army and their warrior, Goliath. God shows His people: they cannot save themselves, but need a deliverer. Young David is a picture of the great deliverer to come.

TESTIFY (FINALE)

Fast forward many years, and there is a rumor brewing. The man they call Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and he died, but they say he rose to life again! Many claim to have seen him. His disciples tell of how he called them by name, and they testify to his resurrection. So do his friends, like Lazarus and his sisters -- the same Lazarus whom Jesus called from the grave! There's the young boy whose small lunch Jesus used to feed five thousand people. And the children who say he loved them so, and always had time for them. They are telling their neighbors, their friends, and total strangers - anyone who will listen and many who will not - that Jesus has risen from the dead and lives!

This is the same truth we testify today. We believe the one God who keeps His promises. We believe He has shown through His Word that our sin is serious and separates us from life with Him, and that not even destroying everything, though by all means deserved, will put it all to rights. So instead of expecting us, those who have broken His law, to do what is necessary -- He has sent His only Son to be the sacrifice for our sin. To take our place. He makes a way where there is no way,  a path through the sea. He is our giant-slayer and our conquering king. He came once to bear sin, yes, but He will also come again, to make all things new. Put your trust in the only one who is Trustworthy and True.