Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear ones.

Becki and I left the house this morning about 7am in order to hit the follow-up appointment with a cardiologist in Salem following my stress test of last week. So I ran out of time to get this message launched before departing. Incidentally, they gave me high marks surrounding that test. If it weren’t in step with routine maintenance, they would wonder why I had it done.

I’d like to call your attention to a thought that Becki commented on this morning from her reading in Proverbs 20. Verse 10 says, “Differing weights and differing measures—the LORD detests them both.” Her commentary subjected this idea to the prevalence of double standards in our society. There is a general lack of moral and ideological absolutes. And, of course, if there is a general rejection of God—the Absolute Truth and Standard Giver—how can it be otherwise? Indeed, “If there is no God, all things are permissible.” Tolerance (which is another way of disguising intolerance) and relativism seem to be the fashionable norm. She got my little head thinking…and lights seemed to come on even in regards to this recent horrific atrocity at Newtown where so many innocent children and staff were massacred. There is something in all of this that deeply disturbs me beyond that atrocity. Doesn’t the almost-universal outrage and shock reaction to this terrible incident give some glaring evidence of a terrible double standard at large within our current social conscience? Is there not a terrible discrepancy here when people are so shocked at the deaths of 20 innocent helpless children—illegally killed by an insane person—but no longer shocked at statistics that report multiplied millions of innocent helpless children being massacred with their little brains ripped apart—killed legally by so-called educated sane people—before they ever have a chance to go to kindergarten? Our nation’s moral compass is definitely in disrepair. “There is a way that seems right to a man (or a culture), but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 16:25).

That’s not all. Becki also commented on a verse she pondered yesterday—Proverbs 19:3—“A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.” Maybe I will just suggest that you ponder that on your own.

The day is already way down the road. I need to put myself into overdrive and try to catch up.

Love, Dad/Ray

Have you ever wondered why world history reveals so much intense hatred for Jews? Have you ever wondered how it is that the Jewish Nation has even survived over time to remain a distinct people group in the wake of all that hatred? I am convinced that explanations for these historical phenomena cannot be made in purely objective and reasonable terms—it can only be explained spiritually. Based on the Biblical premise that there are only two spiritual powers (kingdoms) in the universe, I have to draw these two fundamental conclusions: (1) Satan HATES the Jewish people and wants to destroy them (as well as those who embrace the promised Jewish Messiah). (2) God LOVES the Jewish people and has promised to preserve them (as well as those who embrace the promised Jewish Messiah).

This chapter presents a dramatized symbolic overview of this reality. God seems to love theater and puts on a real show for John! But without attempting to unravel and interpret all the data and details presented in this super-drama, I want to focus on the bottom line that is contained in verse 11. “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so as to shrink back from death.”

The reason I refer to this as “the bottom line” is because I believe the same recipe for overcoming that characterizes this group of Jewish believers from the tribulation period, is the same recipe for our own victory right here—right now—right where we are. Let me summarize this way:

1. Personal salvation—“by the blood of the Lamb.”
2. Evangelistic testimony—“by the word of their testimony.”
3. Fearless faith—"they did not love their lives so as to shrink from death.”

I hope you’re paying attention.