Naturally, the first thing you’d ask is, “Who wrote the letter and to whom was it addressed?” Was it written by your grandfather to your grandmother? From your grandmother to your mother? Or is it a letter to your grandmother from a boyfriend she had prior to marrying your grandfather? The answer to this question will greatly determine how you understand the statement. On the back of the envelope are the words, “I love you and everything about you.” How would you know what this means? Imagine you’ve been sorting through the dusty boxes in your mother’s attic and come across an old faded letter. Knowing what something meant when it was written is the first key to knowing what it means now. The insistence on reading any passage of the Bible with its context in mind is a good thing. The answer is found not so much in “balance” as in considering the proper steps to application. How, we may wonder, should we balance a sound reading of the Bible with more immediate application? Although serious Bible students are not wrong to insist on a methodic approach to Scripture, including a consideration of the historical context in which it was written, the Old Testament texts are given to us for our instruction today (2 Tim 3:16). Here’s a somewhat controversial take: it is fine to apply Jeremiah 29:11 to the individual Christian in various qualified ways, and many of the reactions against this are over-corrections.- Gavin Ortlund January 16, 2023 Pastor and author Gavin Ortlund recently called this sort of criticism an “over-correction.” “Did you even read the context?” this student wonders. Armed with their historical-grammatical method, these more rigorous students scoff at such a naïve and simplistic reading. “Not so fast!” cries the serious Bible reader. To be told that the Lord’s plan is for your welfare and not for evil may feel like a ray of sunshine on a cold dreary day. This may be especially true for someone who has been hitting a rough patch in life. How wonderful that is!” It’s even possible many Christians have only read the verse beside some pastoral springtime scene on an art calendar or written in calligraphy.Īnd why not? The passage seems to offer such warmth and hope. Who is God’s promise for? Casual readers of the Bible may read this popular verse and think, “Wow! God has a plan for me. Facebook Twitter Reddit Pinterest Email LinkedInįor I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |