Insightful Musings on the Scripturesby
Ray Sparre, NU class of '67
Ray has a wealth of experience as a Husband, Father, Pastor, Missionary, and student of the Word. He believes and practices his faith where the rubber meets the road. You'll find his writings to be practical, insightful, and grounded in a truly Christ-centered world view.
Below are links to a printable daily Bible reading guide which Ray has followed, and an archive of all his daily devotional writings for 2010 and 2011.
| Sparre Home Page | Daily Reading Guide | 2011 Devotion Archives | 2010 Devotion Archives |
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22 Nov 11
Windy morning, greetings.
No kite yet…but maybe later. The little boys are here.
I need to get to Estacada and pick up some shed roofing. Oh yes…better get the garbage out…and hope it doesn’t blow over. Becki saw a lot of fallen garbage bins when she was out driving earlier.
Have a great day.
Love, Dad/Ray
22 November 2011
Job 32
Focus: “But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.” Job 32:5.
Young Buzzy Wuzzy became quite fussy, so Buzzy Wuzzy wasn’t silent, was he? Sorry. He’s so long dead and gone, I didn’t think it too unethical to make some fun of Elihu the Buzite.
Elihu is definitely an interesting character. He’s been sitting there through the whole debate, not making a peep—till now. He bursts forth with a lot more than a peep. I can see Job and the three others rolling their eyes as Elihu presumes to step to the podium and take the mic. It’s not long before they are wishing the Buzite would buzz off!
In this first of six chapters that make up Elihu’s speech, I’m diagnosing him as having at least 3 ailments—ANGER, DOGMA, and HYPOCRISY.
ANGER. Three times in the 5-verse introduction, Elihu’s anger is mentioned. He’s angry with Job for insisting on his innocence of any known wrong-doing, and he’s angry with the three others because they had given up with no more to say to refute Job and prove him wrong (v. 12).
Question: Is there any substantial value to angry debate? I’m inclined to say NO—at least I can’t think of any personal instances of positive benefits flowing out of my own angry confrontations. I suppose my response could indicate something of my own disposition. I know it is in contrast with some who seem to thrive on conflict. But even there I fail to see the benefits—other than squeaky wheels getting a bit more grease than silent ones. I tend to be far more resistant to an angry speech than to a clear forthright one. I sense that anger is too often used as a form of manipulation to get me to conform or agree.
We could make a big list of Scriptures that address the matter of anger. To conserve time and space, I’ll settle here for the advice James gives. “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (James 1:19-21).
DOGMA. Along with dogma you will usually find an attitude of arrogant superiority. Three times in this chapter, this cocky hot-head announces that he’s not just telling stuff that is theory, conjecture, or opinion—it’s stuff that HE KNOWS (vv. 6, 10, 17).
I think there is a lot of confusion in the world around us concerning spiritual inspiration. Elihu says something that catches my attention—“For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me…” What spirit is it within him that prompts and sanctions his blast? Is it possible that Elihu mistook that spirit for the Holy Spirit? Is it possible that he mistook his passionate anger and dogma for holy unction? I’m sorry, but I have come to be pretty careful about claims of Holy Spirit anointing—in some cases a little cynical of those claiming divine utterance as a covering for nonsense. Careful interpretation and application of the Spirit Word of God is our safest source of authority.
HYPOCRISY. Elihu’s claim at the end of this chapter may sound noble, fair, and broad-minded, but I judge him as being as phony as a three-dollar bill. Let me cite those words—“I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man; for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away” (vv. 21-22). Oh, really? In my strained soft calm voice, I would like to say, “Sorry, Buzzy, but you’ve already messed up your credibility—your anger and dogma already confirm your being very partial—that you only respect those who agree with you. Furthermore, you are demonstrating a great capacity for flattery—self-flattery!”
“When you’re as great as I am, it’s hard to be humble.” - Muhammad Ali