Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, special ones.

Tis the day before Wednesday, and all through the house, we’ve collected the rubbish with a worn out blouse. The bin has been placed by the roadway with care so the truck can stop by and pick it up there. Oh boy…that’s bad.

The little boys were delivered just after 6:30am. Lots of action around here. But I need to abandon the scene and go get some other things done…including a run to Woodburn to have our equipment trailer licensed.

Special people are special because they seek the source of special blessing.

Love, Dad/Ray.

If the 7 messages to the 7 churches are to be viewed as representative of 7 periods of church history, then this last one addressed to Laodicea is most worthy of our attention. I have lots of reason to believe that we are not only passing through the final chapter of the CHURCH AGE, but also the final chapter of human history on this planet.

If this perspective is valid, then the greatest danger facing us today is not an enemy from without, but an enemy from within, one that promotes MEDIOCRITY or LUKEWARMNESS (…although I can’t imagine a time when this would not be a serious danger)—settling for a superficial faith of compromised religious tradition to the neglect of pursuing a passionate personal relationship with the One Who graciously makes Himself available as our SAVIOR and LORD. Listen again to Jesus’ appeal in verse 20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” To be sure, this relationship invitation is THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME!

The practical fact is that I CANNOT BE OVERCOME BY LUKEWARM MEDIOCRITY WHILE I AM IN HOT PURSUIT OF THE KINGDOM RULE OF GOD—SEEKING HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (Matthew 6:33). I do not need to worry about being COLD—only with COOLING.

Here’s some good advice: In order to maintain regular health, check your temperature regularly.