Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hi there, dear people.

We are definitely living in challenging times. Storms are all around us—economic storms, political storms, international tension storms, ailing health storms, psycho-spiritual storms, and even meteorological storms. I judge that it’s best to stay in close relationship with the only One with the power and authority to say, “Peace—be still!”

I’m still trying to figure out where to jump next in response to my long list. Since Thano’s truck is ailing again with an intermittent fuel supply problem, I took him to work this morning when Safeway called to see if he could work this morning…in addition to his programmed schedule. I consulted a mechanic friend on the way home who lent me a gauge to test fuel line pressure. But back home, I was able to start Thano’s truck without any special measures. I drove Thano’s truck back into town and left it at the mechanic’s shop to see if he could do some troubleshooting in the course of the day. We’ll see how things play out.

Question: Is it possible to be blessed by a day that does not have much, if any, appearance of our preferred ideas of blessing? Is it possible that the bottom line of God’s plans and purposes is not aimed at our ease and comfort? Just wondering. And I’m thinking that we could all be benefitted by our formulating answers to such questions.

However it goes, I hope your day will be blessed.

Love, Dad/Ray.

This character that we know as “John the Baptist” absolutely amazes me. With no formal training and experience that we know of, the depth of his insights and attitudes appear to me to be clearly God-inspired. This statement he makes is an example of great maturity and clarity of vision. Some of John’s disciples approach him and say, “Have you noticed that you no longer have a monopoly? This new guy (Jesus) is now heading up a competitive baptismal campaign!” I’ve been around Christian ministry enough to know that lots of ministers would have become rather irritated, threatened, and maybe call the new guy a “sheep stealer.” But John simply states, “The bride belongs to the bridegroom.” He understood purpose, ownership, and to Whom we all are ultimately accountable—cutting across the petty lines of tribalism, denominationalism, and exclusivism that so typically divide people into groups with attitudes of superiority—including church groups.

My brother and a couple close friends stood with me when I was wed to Becki nearly 45 years ago. She was MY bride. No one else’s. My “groomsmen” were invited to participate in the wedding, but had no right to participate in the marriage—if you know what I mean. In the same way, John recognizes who’s who in this scene along with the boundaries for each one’s rights and responsibilities. I think we can be benefitted by a similar view, keeping in mind that Jesus is the Bridegroom of the Church, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, and the Sovereign Lord over us all. Let’s remind ourselves that we are mere stewards, representatives, and custodians—not owners.