Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

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March 27, 2010
            Good morning from New York, dear people.
            There isn’t much left of the morning though.  It’s 11:40am.  Earlier I did a jog around the area this morning.  It was cold and clear.  I’d say about 28 degrees.  I jogged across one bridge over the Erie Canal…then over it again on another bridge. 
            I understand there will be around 60 people in attendance at the party this evening…at a country club.  It’s not just a celebration of Joanna’s 16th birthday, but also a celebration of Christian adopting her and her taking on his last name.  I’ll present a silly song for Joanna.
            I hope your life is running well.  If not, don’t forget the troubleshooting guide in Galatians 5.  And be blessed.  That’s a lot more fun than the alternatives.
                        Love and prayers, Dad/Ray.

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27 March 2010
Passage: Acts 26:19-32
Focus: “The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them.”  Acts 26:30.

            Here is a good example of non-verbal communication.  King Agrippa was saying something quite clear by this simple act of standing up.  He was saying, “That’s enough, Paul.  I’ve heard all I want to hear.  I already have my set of views and beliefs and don’t want you making me uncomfortable.”  End of discussion.
            I not only like what Paul did in this whole situation, I also like what he didn’t do.  He didn’t show disrespect.  He didn’t argue.  He didn’t try to use force.  He didn’t speak longer than the appropriate time he was given.  Can you imagine Paul trying to press the issue and saying, “Just a minute, King?  Sit down, please.  I’m not finished yet,” and then carries on with a lengthy sermon on “Justification by Faith?”  He would have gained nothing real fast.
            Paul understood and respected a fact that we all need to understand and respect.  He understood that people most generally believe what they want to believe.  He knew that everyone must sort out the data of life and determine truth and belief for themselves.  He knew that it was impossible to manipulate people into the Kingdom by reasoning or fear or the intensity of presentation.  He knew that the Kingdom of God is essentially an invitation that says, “Whosoever will may come.”  He knew that he was not the Lord of the harvest, but only a servant responsible to impart the invitation.
            In our performance as ambassadors for Christ, we will always meet people who will be “turned off” by our witness.  They will stand up like King Agrippa in disgust or disinterest and walk away.  But that’s okay.  They did it to Paul.  They did it to Jesus.  And they’ll do it to you.  Just don’t let it discourage you from being a clean and faithful witness.  The cause is too great.