When reading the Bible do you ever visualize the story in your mind’s eye?

A friend of mine once shared devotions at a staff meeting I attended. She retold an all-too-familiar Bible story but with such excitement and passion that every listener was enthralled. We were captured and carried into that Biblical scene with her, as if it were in 3-D. Descriptions of people and places came alive from the pages of the Bible, thoroughly captivating us.

“If Heaven has a Blockbuster, THAT’S a video I want to see,” she said, referring to the story she had just brought to life for us.

Me, too, I thought! Me, too.

Sometimes I wish I could’ve been there when He spoke to the woman at the well…or when He healed blinded eyes. What would it be like to watch as the loaves and fishes multiplied before the eyes of astonished disciples? Oh, to be there when water was turned into wine.

Recently, as I was studying for a small group I lead, I was reminded of Heaven’s Blockbuster. We’re studying the story of Joseph – sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, then put into a position of power in Egypt. The older brothers traveled to Egypt for find relief from the famine. There, they met a young Egyptian leader who had the wherewithal to help. How did they NOT recognize it was their kid brother? Was it because Joseph was no longer dressed as a shepherd? No longer was he a pesky teenager with a colorful coat.

The conversations between Joseph and his Hebrew brothers – thirteen years later – lend themselves to priceless Blockbuster moments. Joseph knew them, but they were clueless to his identity. Overcome with emotions – twice – Joseph had to walk away to regain composure – can you just feel it? Imagine their reaction when Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers.

The scene changes – the brothers return home and tell their aged father that not only is Joseph alive, but he has offered the family a new start in Egypt. How cool is that? Jubilation on the home front. With their livestock in tow, 70+ descendants of Jacob head for Egypt.

Someone is sent ahead to alert Joseph as they draw near. That’s when another Blockbuster-worthy moment happens. Joseph jumps in his chariot and rides to meet them. This 30-year old man cannot wait to be reunited with his father. Scripture says he wept as they hugged for a very long time. Can you imagine that scene? A real tear-jerker.

The idea of Heaven’s Blockbuster changed the way I read the Bible. I tap into my creativity and simply put myself in the middle of each scene. I listen to what is being said, observe the reactions of those involved, and experience the Word of God in a much more powerful way…thanks to a staff member who shared the idea of a ‘heavenly’ Blockbuster.

I hope you, too, will watch for Blockbuster moments as you read the Bible.