Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello, dear ones.

The day is about all used up…definitely the daylight is, since it’s presently dark. I rose a little later than I should this morning. Becki and I squeezed in a walk/jog this morning…but from then till now it has been a pretty intense day. It included a run to Dallas for a brief showing at our granddaughter’s 10th birthday party (Samara) before running back to Molalla for our 3pm Gospel Sing at Pheasant Pointe. All that to say that I’m only now getting to wrapping up this devotional. I guess I’m doing so while others are watching the Super Bowl.

A big busy week is forthcoming.

Have a good night.

Love, Dad/Ray.

I wish I were endued with special levels of insight and understanding so as to come forth with crystal clear explanations behind all these rules and regulations prescribed by God. I just can’t seem to get it all together. I can’t explain why Aaron was allowed to carry on in his priestly role almost like nothing happened following his crazy part with the golden calf fiasco (Exodus 32), yet his sons are toasted by the fire of God because of their compromise with “unauthorized fire” (10:1-2). (They probably reasoned that fire was fire.) What’s more, I can’t figure out why birthing a baby girl is twice as ceremonially defiling for the mother than birthing a baby boy (Leviticus 12).

On the other hand, here are a few conclusions I draw—a few things I get:

1. I choose to do my utmost to pursue relationship with God on His terms, not on my own terms.
2. I choose to cover my ailing understanding with TRUST—believing that He knows what He’s doing, and He knows best.
3. HOLINESS is high on the list of His terms. It’s not an obsolete idea reserved for Old Testament mystics. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14).
4. A HEART AFTER GOD is of vital importance—an essential basis for HOLINESS.
5. It is crystal clear to me (at present) that I myself play a vital role in establishing that condition of heart. Pay attention to the wording of the FOCUS VERSE—“Consecrate yourselves and be holy.” No one can do it for me. Consider also 2 Corinthians 7:1—“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” It is anything but accidental.