Insightful Musings on theScriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, special folk.
Lots of interruptions since entering the time on the SUBJECT line…it’s now 8:19am. Kash arrived and we talked a while…then Becki returned with two little boys. One is kind of sick. Not sure how this is going to go.
I would probably scare you if I showed you my TO DO list. It scares me too. But I’m so accustomed to being scared by it that it doesn’t scare me any more. Go figure.
I’ve altered the recipient list as of this morning. So, if you don’t receive this, you’ll know why. (Just checking to see if you’re paying attention.)
Be blessed today. This is not to imply that you can do it to yourself. But by continually seeking the One “from Whom all blessings flow” you can at least keep yourself in its path.
Love, Dad/Ray
10 January
Passage: Matthew 8:1-27
Focus: “…I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Matthew 8:10.
Here is a gentile believer whom Jesus applauds as having “great faith” while a few verses later He reprimands His own disciples for having “little faith” (8:26). What accounts for the difference?
I wonder if it has to do with what we touched on yesterday—their individual recognition and belief in Jesus’ authority. The words of the centurion confirmed his belief in Jesus’ authority. “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it” (8:8-9).
The disciples, on the other hand, did not appear to recognize Jesus’ authority, at least not during that storm on the sea. (Please ponder that statement. Is there any relevance for us personally?) And when Jesus finally demonstrated His authority by instantly calming the storm, they were freaked out. “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him! (8:27).
So—what kind of man is this? How about GOD INCARNATE?! I can’t imagine a better friend to have in my boat!