Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello, folks.

This late in the day is evidence that we’ve had another case of the day taking off without being totally prepared. One priority we faced was to make sure we returned our cell phones before the 14 day trial date was up. Today is day #13. These phones have nearly made us use profanity. The so-called upgrade they offered was a major downgrade insofar as telephone function is concerned. It was a long wait to get the things returned today and lined out with new alternatives. But so far it appears well worth the wait. All three of us (Thano included) already see lots of benefits to the new devices. They are truly amazing pieces of technology.

I had intended to go do some touch-up work on the truck on which I applied graphics last afternoon and evening…but it’s raining like crazy and I would have to work outside. I’ll call to see if I can do it later.

Blessings on what’s left of your day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

I was physically born March 27, 1944. I was there—but I had absolutely nothing to do with it insofar as planning the event and making it a happen. So how can I claim ownership for my existence?—insisting that this is MY life, MY plan, and MY stuff, etc? What do I have that was not given me? My aptitudes, my composition, my functions, my parts, and my very life—it’s really quite humbling. I think it’s supposed to be. Even my own parents cannot claim ownership in the technical sense—as though they put together a specific plan and ordered all the specific parts to fabricate a specific and unique Raymond. They were more into themselves (by design)—and bingo!—there I was. I wonder if they were humbled too—as much as I am as a father—to behold the marvel of the whole gamut of human life, gender attractions, and procreation. The point is that none of us can claim technical ownership or credit for any of it!

What is true of my physical birth and existence is also true of my spiritual birth and existence—commonly called SALVATION, and commonly given the possessive pronouns of MY, or OUR, or THEIR. But none of us can claim absolute ownership or credit for any of it. Even the exercise of our ability to choose is from Him. All we can do is own the choices.

In today’s reading we are presented with a numberless multitude around the Throne—those who have been SAVED and have remained faithful during the great tribulation period. Their song is significant. Notice that it is not a song that praises God for THEIR SALVATION, as though it was a product that they owned, but they sang, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

If you and I can think clearly and carefully and ascribe credit where credit is due, singing and praising directed to the Almighty has to be compulsive. Taking it all in, we cannot NOT praise!