Not everything in the Bible is a story per se.
There are dense expository materials that can be said to crystallize truth in a nugget. In dealing with them the preacher or teacher must convey the meaning through explanation, illustration, and application.
Even though Bible Story Telling as an oral event (instead of conveying a story simply through "reading") is making a comeback now, the use of Bible Stories in conjunction with these dense "truth nuggets" such as "Blessed are the poor in spirit" or "Blessed are those who mourn" is ancient.
The reformers commonly used Bible narratives to explain propositional truths found in the catechisms.
Likewise they may be used to explain the beatitudes.
The story of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee could demonstrate, for instance, the poverty of spirit Jesus commends as "blessed".
Moses might be said to exemplify the holy mourning Jesus commends as he becomes furious over the idolatry of the Golden Calf, intercedes for the people and leads them to renounce their idolatry.
And so on...
Of course, purists find many reasons against using Bible stories as "mere illustrations" instead of preaching them in their own right.
On the other hand, by linking the story to the exposition of a catechism or, in this case, a beatitude, we are more likely to relate the story in it's proper light of God being at work in history. Too often, Bible stories are reduced to simplistic and humanistic "morals" designed to coax little children into obedience. In reality, these stories were given to declare the mighty acts of God who brings salvation while having other facets - such as Moses' holy grief - as well.
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