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Some time ago I began noticing familiar Scripture verses cited for situations or applications different from which they were originally intended. When this happens, the passage is “out-of-context”.
You Shall Know the Truth
The first out-of-context Bible verse I remember was inscribed over the entrance of the iconic University of Texas Library Tower: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” Jesus spoke those words to Jews who believed in Him as their promised Messiah (John 8:32), not as a slogan for institutes of higher learning. Since similar biblical phrases seem to frequently appear in art or decor, I decided to investigate several to see how their context might alter the way I understood them.
For Nothing is Impossible with God
The archangel Gabriel spoke, “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37, NIV). He’d made the glorious announcement to Mary of her miraculous conception, then added: “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:36,37, NIV). The context shows God’s sovereignty over both Mary’s and Elizabeth’s conceptions. Though these words might not comfort someone suffering the emotional pain of infertility, it does help me release each challenging situation into the hands of a sovereign, all-powerful God. I can know that nothing is too complex for God. He will work things out—according to His perfect will.
I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me
There’s power in the reminder, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). Contrary to some common misperceptions, Paul wasn’t talking about winning a football game or losing weight. He had learned the secret of contentment—whether he was well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. In both situations, he could do all things through Christ who gave him strength. Strength for contentment, now that’s a true victory!
Joy Comes in the Morning
The words joy comes in the morning sometimes come to mind after a challenging day. I trust the truth, yet I have never considered its source. The phrase appears within King David’s song of praise for God who had healed him. David was not only joyful about getting well, but also over the hope to continue his preparations for building the temple. This was his song for its eventual dedication.
Scripture doesn’t identify David’s illness nor how many evenings he wept wondering about his life, his dreams, and his future. What we do know is that God healed him, and David captured the truth he discovered—weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5, NKJV).It’s a statement of hope, of trust, and of faith in a sovereign and loving God.
For the Battle is the LORD’s
Young David arrived at the Israelite/Palestinian battlefield with food for his brothers. While there, he heard the taunts of the Palestinian behemoth, Goliath. In response David told King Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him” (1 Samuel 17:32, NIV).
On the battlefield David spoke directly to Goliath, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (v.47, NIV). I still marvel at this young man’s confidence and feel somewhat cowardly about my own hesitancy to tackle much smaller challenges.
God is still sovereign and only needs my willingness to stand for the things that matter to Him. God will not only be with me but will also go before me—for the battle is the LORD’s.
Be Strong and Courageous
“Be strong and courageous” occurs multiple times in Scripture. Moses spoke these words to Israel about their future conquest under Joshua’s leadership. God proclaimed it to Joshua when he assumed command of the Israelites. Moses’ fighting men also repeated these words to Joshua as they prepared to accept his command. King David spoke it to Solomon about building the temple. King Hezekiah encouraged the Israelites as they faced an Assyrian siege. (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:6,7,9; 10:25; 1 Chronicles 28:20; 2 Chronicles 32:7 respectively)
We might not have Moses, Joshua, or a human king to encourage us; but we do have a heavenly King who is the same LORD God Almighty that they served. We, too, can rely upon God’s Word to stand in strength and courage no matter what we face.
During this sojourn in the Scriptures, I’ve uncovered a bit of nostalgia. I’ve realized that within the oral traditions of the cultures, each of these phrases was originally shared as part of a complete story—stories that eventually birthed the sixty-six books of our Bible. They were retold generation to generation, over meals or along the path, by prophets, scribes, fathers, and mothers—heartfelt tales complete with inflections and emotions.
Today, somewhat more literate and with translations and commentaries at the ready, I sense my heart cry has become: Lord, make me a faithful steward of your Word. Let me hear these accounts with the ears of my heart, and keep me ever moving deeper into the rich depths of their contextual truths.
Linda Lesniewski
Linda served as Women’s Minister at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, TX for 24 years. She has authored "A Little Book About Knowing a Big God" for children; "Women at the Cross" and "Connecting Women: A Guide for Leaders in Women’s Ministry", by Revell; as well as "His Story My Story", a digital download available from LifeWay. Linda enjoys spending time with her four young adult children and six granddaughters. She has served on the Womenary Board of Directors for many years.
You can contact Linda at lindalesniewski49@gmail.com. 
