Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, dear ones.
It’s really quite pretty out this window. The frost on the tree branches has accumulated over the last several days and is now thicker than ever. A clear sky is opening up to replace the fog. Even though it’s rather late, I think I need to get out there and attempt a jog. I’ll put the garbage bin by the road on the way. The little boys are here now, so Becki is engaged.
A list of objectives for the day is before me. It’s time to get heading in those directions. Have a good day surrounding your list.
Love, Dad/Ray.
I’m captivated here with two words that are as different as black and white—as different as night and day—the words darkness and light. The narrative before us presents the same divine phenomenon of the cloud right there in plain view of everyone. Yet orientation and perspective made all the difference. On one side the revelation of God was only darkness. On the other side, there was light. Isn’t there some profound allegorical significance here? Isn’t this the way it is to this day? Many still see nothing of light and value in Biblical revelation. It’s just a bunch of dismal darkness. But those beholding with a HEART AFTER GOD find life, inspiration, and light.
I’m reminded that allegory is actually intended. That’s what Paul affirmed in 1 Corinthians 10:11—“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.” So let’s go ahead and be warned by reading the next verse—“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Be patient with me as I spin my typical bottom-line theme another way. This reading adds to my own inspiration and perspective and makes me wish I could make the following declaration to the entire world: YOUR GREATEST ENEMY AND DANGER IS NOT PEOPLE, CIRCUMSTANCES, OR EVEN THE DEVIL—BUT THE INTERNAL CONDITION OF ANYTHING LESS THAN A HEART AFTER GOD.