Born in a Christian family, one person had some favorite bible verses. He used to get them artistically printed, framed, and hung them on walls. One friend visited his home and was impressed by this verse: “May the LORD, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!” (Deuteronomy 1:11) Then he asked him: My ancestors had a village deity and used to visit a temple. My wife’s parents had a different deity and used to worship a goddess too. Who does this ancestor refer to? Then he explained that the verse refers to the creator God. He also explained how God sent his Son into the world to save those who believe in Him. (John 3:16)
Word to the World: Christians are called to communicate the love of God through the gospel to the world. Word must be taken to the people of the world. Reaching out to people with the message is important. All methods, models, and modes of communication should be used to reach the world with the Word.
Context and Meaning: However, there is a context in each person’s life. The context is a product of history, geography, ideas, civilization, politics, religion, language…etc. In other words, each person is shaped by a culture that helps him/her to understand or misunderstand or not understand the meaning of the communication. The person could understand the phrase: God of ancestors from his culture, experience, and context.
Need interpretation: Many times, people need interpretation or vivid explanations to understand communication. This person needed an explanation regarding the context of the Scripture and the God of ancestors is Jehovah, the creator, sovereign, and self-existing God. The Ethiopian eunuch who served as treasurer to the queen, read the book of Prophet Isaiah. In fact, he did not understand but was confused who was the person about whom Isaiah was writing about – himself or some other. Philip was able to explain that Isaiah was referring to the Messiah, Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 8: 26-35)
Do I understand and help others to understand the Truth of the Bible?