Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 NLT).

Elton John’s music has been a big part of my life since I was a kid. Growing up, his songs were always playing in our house – whether it was on 8-track or vinyl. My mom was a huge fan, and because of her, I grew to love his music too. There’s something about Elton’s unique voice and catchy melodies that just stuck with me over the years.

Among all his songs, “Rocket Man” has always held a special place in my heart. From the first time I heard it, something about this space-themed ballad really connected with me. As I got older, my connection to the song only grew stronger, and I started to interpret it in a very personal way.

The line “I’m not the man they think I am at home” became an anthem of sorts for me. It wasn’t about my family specifically, but rather a reflection of how I felt misunderstood by the world at large. Even as I moved beyond my teenage years and into adulthood, this sentiment persisted. I often felt that the people closest to me – friends, colleagues, even some family members – didn’t truly see or understand who I was at my core.

This feeling of being underestimated or mislabeled has been a recurring theme in my life. It’s as if I’ve been wearing a mask, playing a role that others expect of me, while my true self – the “rocket man” – remains hidden, yearning to break free and soar. The chorus, with its triumphant declaration “I’m a rocket man,” felt like an affirmation of my hidden potential, a reminder that there was more to me than met the eye.

For years, I interpreted the song through this lens, finding solace and strength in what I believed was its message about the struggle for self-realization and the pain of being misunderstood. It became a personal anthem, a source of comfort during times when I felt particularly out of place or undervalued.

However, my understanding of the song took an unexpected turn when I recently learned about its original intent. Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s longtime lyricist, revealed that the inspiration for “Rocket Man” came from a very different source. He had been inspired by Ray Bradbury’s short story of the same name, which depicted a future where space travel had become a mundane occupation. The song wasn’t about feeling misunderstood or hiding one’s true self; it was an imaginative exploration of what it might be like to be an astronaut in a world where space travel was as ordinary as commuting to an office.

This revelation was eye-opening. The song I had imbued with such personal meaning was, in its original conception, about something entirely different. Yet, this realization didn’t diminish my connection to the song. Instead, it highlighted the incredible power of art to speak to us in ways the artists never intended.

This experience with “Rocket Man” serves as a powerful parallel to our approach to Scripture. While we believe that all Scripture is inspired by God, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it’s crucial to remember that it was written, translated, and interpreted by humans. Just as I found deep personal meaning in a song about an astronaut, we can find profound truths in Scripture that speak to our individual experiences and circumstances.

However, this doesn’t mean we should rely solely on our personal interpretations. This is where the Wesleyan Quadrilateral approach to spiritual truth becomes invaluable. This method encourages us to consider four aspects in our quest for understanding: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. By balancing these elements, we can develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of God’s word and its application in our lives.

When we approach Scripture, we should strive to understand its original context and intent, much like I learned about the original meaning of “Rocket Man.” This scholarly approach helps ground our interpretations in historical and cultural context. At the same time, we shouldn’t discount the personal meanings and applications we find in the text. God often speaks to us through Scripture in deeply personal ways, addressing our unique circumstances and needs.

The key is to find a balance between these approaches. We can honor both the original intent of Scripture and the personal meaning we derive from it. This balanced approach can lead to a richer, more textured understanding of God’s word and how it applies to our lives.

In the end, my experience with “Rocket Man” reminds me that while our personal interpretations can be deeply meaningful and even life-changing, we must also be open to learning and growing in our understanding. Whether it’s a beloved song or a passage of Scripture, there’s always more to discover when we approach with an open heart and a willingness to learn.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Embrace the personal meaning you find in art and Scripture but remain open to learning their original context for a fuller understanding.

PRAYER
Lord, grant us wisdom to balance our personal experiences with Your divine truth as we seek to understand Your word more deeply. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.