Throwing Out the Fleece… and Missing the Point

For years, I’d hear people say, “Don’t take Scripture out of context.” I’d nod like I understood, but honestly, it went in one ear and out the other. What did that even mean? Context, shm-ontext. I figured a verse was a verse, right?

Then one day it hit me like a bolt of lightning. Seriously, it was like the whole room lit up. I finally understood: taking Scripture out of context is like twisting someone’s words to fit what you want them to say. You end up misrepresenting God, misleading others, and worst of all—hurting yourself.

Here’s what I did when I threw out my first and only Golden fleece. I remember lying in bed one night thinking about hiring another driver for my company. Deep down, I knew he wasn’t right for the job. But I liked him so much. So, I pulled a move straight out of Gideon’s story with the golden fleece. You know—“Lord, if the fleece is wet, I’ll do this; if it’s dry, I’ll do that.” Except I didn’t have a fleece. I had a barking dog.

It was late. This dog outside wouldn’t stop barking. So I prayed, “Lord, if that dog stops barking right now, I’ll hire him.” And wouldn’t you know it—the dog stopped barking. Dead silence. I hired the guy the next day. Biggest mistake ever. He nearly sank my company. And my wife? She never let me forget it. To this day she still laughs, “John and his golden fleece.”

That’s what taking Scripture out of context looks like. Like reading “I can do all things through Christ” and thinking you’ll sprout wings and fly off your roof. Or “where two or three gather” and thinking that’s the only time Jesus shows up.

Context matters. Otherwise, you end up with wet fleeces, silent dogs, and a whole lot of regret.