BIBLE VERSES AND SAYINGS FINDING THEIR WAY INTO DAILY LIFE

Background

We may have not noticed this, but several Bible verses have found their way into our daily conversations amongst non-Christians and especially in the media. This is indeed a wonderful development as it shows that scriptural verses receive  recognition and attribution in the world we live in.

Aim

In this presentation, I shall make references to some (not all) of these verses and how they are used in the media and daily conversations. It will also show the verses’ context in the Bible itself first. The scripture is accepted as God’s Word and that they can be relied upon.

Paying of Taxes

Some have questioned  whether we have to pay taxes. Jesus in Matthew 22:21 gave the answer as “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s”, and they were amazed by His words. This was an attempt to corner the Lord as to whether they should pay taxes to the Roman government of the day. Jesus answered that it was a necessary deed as they exercise power and authority over the area. But the Lord did not stop there. He added that there is also a responsibility to give to the Lord’s work at that time (OT and NT application). Today in society, both the authorities and the people at large understand the application of paying taxes. Paying of taxes fulfils several functions such as the upkeep of infrastructure and public services. 

Writing on the Wall

In Daniel 5:5-28, “These are the words on the wall. Mene, mene, tekel and upharsin.”

• ‘Mene’ – God has numbered the days until your kingdom will end.

• ‘Tekel’ – You have been weighed on the scales and found not good enough.

• ‘Upharsin’ – Your kingdom is being taken away.

In this book of Daniel, the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the wall of the palace of King Belshazzar. It caused panic and fear amongst all. Finally, Daniel was summoned to interpret the writings. He told the king of the great calamity that will befall him and his kingdom for his mistakes and pride.

Today when the media and people in general use this term, it means something really unpleasant will occur sooner rather than later. When a country or government is corrupt or engages in strife/wars, then the ‘writing is on the wall’ for its economy. When a person engages in willful living, consumes drugs or lives his life carelessly, then the ‘writing is on the wall’ for them. This warning applies to us today.

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Matthew 7:21 – Our Lord warns “Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves”. In the context, this was part of the Sermon on the Mount that His disciples were to be vigilant always. This warning was repeated numerous times throughout the NT. Today, the media and people in general use these words to also apply it to scammers/conmen whose appearances and smooth talks hide a deceptive background and an evil intent. This is common not only in the religious world, but also in the secular world. Lying and cheating sales persons, and people who are evil and hide their motives by sweet talk can likewise be called wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Prodigal Son

The Gospel of Luke 15:11-32 reveals the story of a son who left the comfort of his father, took his portion of inheritance and went his way. His prodigious living – wasteful, reckless and extravagant lifestyle saw him losing all he had. Being destitute, he ended up feeding the swine, an animal the Jews abhorred. Realizing his error, he returned to his father, sought forgiveness and was reconciled. The father rejoiced at his return. Today, people and the media report on individuals who, like the prodigal son, have wasted their resources and, in some cases, returned to make good their wasted lives. “He was a prodigal who realized his error and made good his life.” Similarly, some countries may be prodigious with their budget and wreck their economy, spending funds on wasteful prestigious projects. Like the prodigal son, they will have to revisit their policies. This is also similar to sports stars and actors who regret their past actions and now resolve to mend their ways.

David and Goliath

1 Samuel 17 recounts the epic story of little David standing up to Goliath, the hero warrior of the Philistines. With King Saul and the Israelite army paralyzed with fear, young David stepped forward to fight the mighty Goliath, who towered over him. But God had other plans for His anointed one David, where he killed Goliath and won the day for the Israelites. Today, this Bible event is used to describe great efforts to overcome insurmountable obstacles. Smaller nations standing up to bigger nations, winning wars against all odds. Even in sports, when a small country beats an established sports powerhouse. A man who stood up to the banks and courts to fight for justice for himself. Environmentalists are applauded for fighting to save the forest from big corporations termed a ‘Davidian effort’. Winning an election seat is likened to winning against Goliath.

Messiah

The Bible uses the term ‘Messiah’ to refer to Jesus as the prophesied, promised deliverer who will come again at the end of time and the Savior of mankind. Here are about 33 plus Bible verses about the Messiah (both Old Testament/New Testament).

The world today applies this term with reference to the Bible as someone who saved the day from insurmountable odds. The political leader or freedom fighter who fought to secure his people’s freedom like Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. The person who saved the country from a war, who led the sports club to win from an impossible situation. Netflix has a loosely Christian-themed CIA movie called the Messiah. Another movie – The Young Messiah about Jesus, plus others.

The Good Samaritan – Luke 10.

The compassionate actions of the Good Samaritan is also another example which finds its way into society. A stranger who showed real compassion is held up as a person of righteousness. Some countries included this as a law, to safeguard people who showed compassion that their good act should not be misconstrued or penalized.

Conclusion

It is interesting that the world in general remembers Bible stories and applies them loosely. It attests to the powerful enduring message of God – scriptures. There are other examples, even in my own workplace, where the parables of Jesus are applied by non-Christians in several situations:

• Parable of the pounds: Luke 19:11-27. Telling the servants to use the money entrusted to them wisely. Rewards and punishments.

• Parable of the workers in the vineyard: Matthew 20:1-16. How people are paid by HR today. The employer determines the payment and has the right to pay as he proposed.

These are just some examples of how the world takes reference to the Bible. I have heard people say “don’t be a Jonah” when one runs away from an entrusted task. There are so many references to King Solomon too. God would rejoice if people applied them wisely.

Ask Yourself:

1. Name 3 instances of Biblical terms or accounts found in the outside world.

2. Is it a good thing that people make references to the Bible in their daily living?

3. What can we learn from this lesson?

Suggested Answers:

1. Wolves in sheep’s clothing, Messiah, Prodigal son.

2. Yes, when applied correctly. People may want to find out more.

3. That the Bible reaches a wider audience than just Christians.