Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear ones.

Oh my…I started to launch forth with a presentation of some fresh inspiration…but it could be so laborious to work it up into presentable form that I decided to back off and hang it up for another time. I simply have too much screaming for my attention. Maybe I’ll stick it on as an attachment at a later date.

Sure enough some precipitation is upon us now. So far it’s been very light…but they are expecting a torrent soon. I’m not sure how far I can get before then.

I resolved the truck problem yesterday…for the time being. When I was able to find a very rare steering gear mounting plate right here in Molalla…and the guy who had it agreed to install it immediately…suddenly I had a fairly quick solution. At least I’m functional again.

Have a great day as you do your faithful best to use Biblical revelation as a standard for figuring things out in this goofed up world. Too many goofed up people in our goofed up world go the other way about it…trying to figure out Biblical revelation by using the standards of the goofed up world.

Love, Dad/Ray.

The Old Testament Law and sacrificial system are clearly themes throughout this book of Hebrews. We definitely should rejoice and be glad that we are free from the inconvenience and legalism of the OLD. Indeed we have the high privilege of participating in its fulfillment. But let us who endorse the NEW system understand that we are not exempt from sacrificing. We are still expected, even required, to offer sacrifices. They are not like the OLD kind that involved external substitutional death and shedding of innocent blood. By contrast, they are internal and flow out of a clear view of the big picture afforded us by His revelation. They are expressions from the heart of the redeemed—of gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise for the once-for-all Sacrifice of God’s Perfect Lamb. Yet they are similar in that these sacrifices (1) must be offered continually, and (2) must be substantiated by the external observable evidence of sharing blessings with others and intentionally doing good to them (v. 16). Think about it.

I wish to cite verses 13 through 16 from the Message translation and allow that to be our punch line. “So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This ‘insider world’ is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come. Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name. Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of ‘sacrifice’—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.”