Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good afternoon, dear people.

Our new dog, Hondo, is pretty good. But I discovered a strange psychological flaw. I think it was Wednesday night that I noticed him on the back deck curled up sleeping soundly on his nice soft canine bed. But the next morning when I got up and flipped on the light on the back deck to check the temperature on the thermometer hanging there, I noticed that his bed wasn’t there. I grabbed a flashlight to check it out. Where in the world did he drag it? I didn’t go far—only about 15 yards away, there it was—an absolute explosion of fabric and fill—totally destroyed. Crazy! The same day, he pulled the blanket pad out of his doghouse. At least he didn’t tear it up. I wonder what other quirks will be revealed over time.

I guess we’ll join in the culture enough to watch what’s left of the Super Bowl game after we finish our Gospel Sing at Pheasant Pointe. Since I grew up in Seattle, I’m inclined to root for the Seahawks. But I choose to resist the passionate hype.

Speaking of cause for celebration, our good friend Dale Carlson is doing that right now—having ended his battle with leukemia just yesterday—stepped into glory. He fought a good fight, he ran a good race, he kept the faith—henceforth—you know the rest!

Be blessed. Love, Dad/Ray.

I’ve heard some entertaining stories about clever mechanics doing some major modifications to a plain looking Volkswagen Beetle where they removed the stock engine and fitted in a hopped-up Corvette engine. So when the cocky hot rod boys happened by with a smug challenge to a little speed competition, they were shocked out of their skin to see this wimpy-looking Volkswagen lay a surprising patch of tire rubber and totally out strip their hot fast cars. They were simply no match for this unexpected superiority.

In the same way, it’s enjoyable to read these encounters of Jesus with the Jewish hard-heads who think they are so smart and advanced in their knowledge of the Law and Scriptures. How could any plain-looking uneducated carpenter hope to be a match for such brilliance? But time after time Jesus rebounds their questions with such authority, knowledge, and truth that the interrogators end up looking almost like village idiots compared to His unexpected superiority. And why not? He’s certainly no ordinary Volkswagen. Though hard for the antagonists to perceive, this One is fitted with an engine of infinite power and knowledge. Who could expect to compete with God and win?

But wait! You don’t have to take up membership with those who dared not ask Him any more questions. Don’t be afraid to ask Him sincere and honest questions. In fact, you’re encouraged to do so. He’s there and willing to listen and respond. It’s just that those who ask things of Him from a heart of biased rejection are never going to be satisfied.

Let’s review the invitation one more time—“Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened (and loaded down with questions you can’t answer), and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).