I was privileged to have known Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, the long-time, booming voiced speaker on “The Lutheran Hour.” He preached at the congregation where my father was pastor on several occasions, and stayed in our home at least once. Our paths crossed several times while I was in college and seminary and after I entered full-time ministry.  He had a gift for speaking, story-telling and sharing the truth of God’s Word. I once heard him share this story:

A man was suing for damages after he was hit by a car. The lawyer for the defense asked the man why he had refused medical assistance at the time of the accident, but was now claiming that he was indeed injured. “In fact,” the lawyer said, “you told the police officer you felt just fine. How do you explain that?” The man began to answer, “Me and my cow Bessie were walking down the road…” The lawyer interrupted him and said, “You are not answering my question. I asked you why you refused medical treatment, but now say you were injured.” The man started again, “Me and my cow Bessie…” The lawyer protested to the judge, asking that the man be instructed to answer the question. The judge told the man to answer and he said, “Me and my cow Bessie…” The lawyer threw up in hands in disgust, but the judge said they may as well listen to what he had to say. The man started again: “Me and my cow Bessie were walking down the road. A car came up and hit us from behind. When the police officer showed up, he took one look at Bessie, and shot her. Then he walked over to me and asked me how I was feeling. I told him I felt just fine.” It is important to understand the context in which something is said or written.

That is especially true for a proper understanding of God’s Word. Scripture was revealed and recorded thousands of years ago, and the culture was very different from our world today. That does not mean these holy words are no longer true or applicable. The opposite is true. Truth is truth and it is timeless. It is still meaningful for our lives. Just because we don’t tend sheep or understand farming illustrations from our own experience does not mean the wisdom and mercy and salvation shared that way is no longer valid.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

Context is important. And sinners today need the same offer of grace and mercy and forgiveness that God shared in His Word so long ago. We need to share that message with people today in their context. Lord, help us to do so.