Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, special ones.
In the course of our discussing this devotional this morning, Becki read to me Psalm 90, as it is part of her reading schedule. I was amazed at how closely that psalm matches so many of the ideas represented in Revelation 20. Read them both and see if you agree. To assist with that exercise, I’m sticking on below a rendering of that psalm from the NIV.
We need to run soon to drop off the Camry at a shop in Molalla. The mechanic thinks he can resolve our ailing heater problem. We’ll see. We’re tired of driving in these winter conditions with almost no heat aboard.
Blessings on your day.
Love—Dad/Ray.
"A prayer of Moses the man of God"
2 Before the mountains were bornor you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."
4 For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning —
6 though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.
7 We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.
10 The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands. --- NIV
Here are a couple of vital Bible math equations: (1) 1B=2D. (2) 2B=1D. They represent the two fundamental options presented to all humans with functional minds.
You probably have it figured out, but here’s the meaning: If you are only born once (physically), then you die twice (physically and spiritually…which is eternally). But if you are born twice (physically and spiritually) then you only die once (physically). I don’t have to think on this very long to determine which option I prefer.
Notice the core factor that determines which equation applies to each individual. Verse 12 states, “The dead (those who had died physically) were judged according to what they had DONE as recorded in the books.” Then verse 13 adds, “…each person (notice that they still had conscious existence following their physical death) was judged according to what he had DONE.” I’ve emphasized the word “DONE” for this reason: It is my understanding that what I DO is a direct result of my internal orientation (heart) and the corresponding volitional choices I make. Of course there are involuntary or automated aspects of what I do—like digesting and breathing. I see no evidence that I will be held responsible for any of that. But what I choose to digest and breath—as well as believe and accept and love, etc., that is what I will be held accountable for—that is what will determine my eternal destiny. Pretty serious stuff!
Is it any big wonder WHY God would make the first and foremost COMMAND (requirement) of the Bible, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength?” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:36-40.) If this is the priority for human life from God’s perspective, we humans are wise to make it our own.
first, to meet some I had not thought to see there;
second, to miss some I had expected to see there;
and third, the greatest wonder of all, to find myself there.”