Context

Do you ever face arguments that have taken your words out of context and twisted them into something you didn’t intend? Maybe it’s just me and my lack of oration skills, but I find it amazing how easy it is to miscommunicate on these grounds.

Recently, I’ve had the time to read whole books of the Bible in one sitting, relating to some of my favorite, well-known verses in context. While knowing single verses out of context doesn’t necessarily cause miscommunications, the verses come alive in light of the bigger picture. Meaning is confirmed and enhanced when we read a verse in its intended setting.

I know the chaos of life does not always permit lengthy reading, and holding single verses close to the heart on a daily basis is vitally important, but if you get a chance, I encourage you to expand your horizons to include context.

Here’s an example. It’s not even the full chapter. Just a little more than the ‘famous’ verses at the end of the passage:

Look up into the heavens,

Who created all the stars?

He brings them out like an army, one after another,

Calling each by its name.

Because of his great power and incomparable strength,

Not a single one is missing.

O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?

O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?

Have you never heard?

Have you never understood?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

The Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will becomes weak and tired,

And young men will fall in exhaustion,

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:26-31

Have a great week, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)