Context is powerful

which may have been overlooked. Whether in conversation or reading a book, hearing it in context or reading in context, gives the understanding and pow! it hits you.

If you read infamous passage Matthew 28: 18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

When you read it, depending on your background, you probably think, if you heard of Jesus, you might say of course all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He claimed to be God.

How many people remember conversations in context? It'll be horrible if a sentence of a conversation is taken out of context.

How about in meeting discussions? It's usually in context otherwise other team-mates will correct what it is said if taken out of context and usually, they'll check with one another what was documented as a one liner.

We have those skills yet when we read the bible, we don't apply that skill we so normally do in our daily lives. Why? God's bible is not a mystery and neither is it something only pastors or priests have access to since we all can easily read it daily and ask God for understanding of what he said. No need for isolation from the world in order to ponder and think about God's word.

If you read from beginning of Matthew 28, Matthew 28:18-20 is all said after he has resurrected from the dead!! That's HUGE! His resurrection and then saying "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me..." It's such a push factor in the believers who were grieving at first until they saw Jesus their Lord infront of their eyes, ALIVE! And such comfort to hear "...And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.". Do have a think about it and ponder Matthew 28 in its context. May you have a pow! moment as you read in context.

He has resurrected from the dead >> All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me >> I am with you always, to the end of the age

Walking in Singapore

to explore the side streets, the shortcuts is what I love to do. Visited Changi Museum recently and chanced on a book "A Walking Tour: Singapore". Loved the maps and sketches of the prominent places in it, so bought it hoping to challenge myself to memorise it and try it out. Then discovered online that there was a book launch by the author, last year Dec in Netherlands!! Quite amazing really. I wonder if after the book launch, Netherlands people would buy it and prompt them to buy a ticket to fly here, instead of being attracted by the launch of IRs (integrated resorts) and Casinos? I wonder. Would history/culture be more attractive than the latest IN or new thing? Hmm...