Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear ones.

The struck clock noon before I knew it. You know what I mean. My fingers started typing it out that way…so I decided to leave it. Maybe I need a nap already.

A call from Becki confirms that it’s afternoon…she just called me to the lunch table. Once again, I wish you could join us. Maybe I can squeeze in a little nap after.

Have a wonderful day. Love, Dad/Ray.

Some of the details in these laws that God imposes on Israel jar me to the point that my vision is a bit blurred. (Chapters 21 & 22) But this FOCUS VERSE from Exodus 20:20 assists me to refocus so as to regain a view closer to 20/20 vision.

Notice what could appear as a paradox. In so many words, Moses says, “Don’t be afraid, but you had better fear!” It calls for a distinction to be made between two forms of fear—(A) a negative fear that is debilitating and unreasonable and (B) one that is reverential and reasonable. This is not a perfect example, but a person need not be afraid of fire that is under control, but they are wise to fear the damage fire can do if allowed to run out of control. We could say that even fire imposes laws.

If I can get my mind and heart to embrace the premise that the LORD is benevolent and “compassionate” (22:27)—that “the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5), then I have no reason to be afraid of what His Sovereignty allows or prescribes to come my way (1 Corinthians 10:13). That does not necessarily mean that absolutely everything that comes my way is absolutely good and directly authored by Him (Romans 8:28). It does mean that if I will manage my life with a HEART AFTER GOD, which I view as a synonym for “the fear of God,” I am ultimately safe and secure evermore. It means that He is big enough to work out my imperfect choices and circumstances that I encounter and actually use them in the achievement of His perfect Will. Is it not wise to fear missing out on this exclusive limited-time offer? After all, without this “fear of God” (HEART AFTER GOD) I will sin—as surely as fire burns wood and the smoke goes up.

Along with this, I must be willing to accept the price tag of my view—that my 20/20 vision will make some so mad they can’t see straight.