Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings, dear ones.
Can you believe this is December already?!?
It was majestic early this morning to behold the moonlit sky. It’s still predominantly clear in the present light of dawn. Becki and I plan to take on a walk/jog in about 15 minutes. I feel the temperature turning colder again. Yesterday, it was so relatively warm that Thano did the sawmill work in only his t-shirt. Correction: He had pants and shoes on too.
A guy called yesterday to say he has a big cedar…measuring about 7.5 feet at the butt. I plan to go take a look this morning. Besides that, I already have a pretty big list.
Walk to please your Maker and your steps will be ordered.
Love, Dad/Ray.
Allow me to draw your attention again to John 21—our reading from yesterday. Remember where Jesus asked the question of Peter, “Do you love me?” The Greek scholars tell us that two distinct concepts are used by Jesus, both of which are translated “love” in English. The first is AGAPE (agapao) which I think can well be paraphrased as intelligent commitment love. It has roots in the will—choice driven. The second word translated “love” in Jesus’ question to Peter is PHILEO (phileos). It is more of an emotionally based friendship or fellowship love. I think it is clear to us that both are required in our relationship with our Lord. For our purposes here, I want to highlight the latter. Jesus was asking Peter—and asking us today, “Have you yet found what I have come to establish…personal enjoyment in your relationship with me? Are we bonded by friendship?”
Think of it. You and I have the privilege of friendship and fellowship with God. He is not just an austere and Almighty heavenly God up there somewhere. He is EMANUEL. “And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1:3). He is a wonderful ever-present PERSONAL Savior. And “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin” (1:7). What a deal!
If you have your hymnal nearby, let’s turn to page 338 and sing together, FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS.
1) A friend of Jesus, oh, what bliss that one so weak as I Should ever have a friend like this to lead me to the sky.
CHORUS: Friendship with Jesus, Fellowship divine; Oh what blessed sweet communion, Jesus is a friend of mine.
2) A friend when other friendships cease, a friend when others fail; A friend who gives me joy and peace, a friend who will prevail.
3) A friend to lead me in the dark, a friend who knows the way; A friend to steer my weak, frail bark, a friend my debts to pay.
4) A friend when sickness lays me low, a friend when death draws near; A friend as through the vale I go, a friend to help and cheer.
5) A friend when life’s rough voyage is o’er, a friend when death is past; A friend to greet on Heaven’s shore, a friend when home at last.