Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear ones.

Becki and I just returned from our walk/jog. The rain backed off while we did so. It would be nice if it could back off while I carry on with some other work.

One of the next projects looming before me is to fabricate from sequoia a 5’x16’ stylized table to be used in the customer’s gazebo. I need to get on with the machining for that today. It has to be done by the middle of June.

Beginning this evening, I think we’re slated to be in custody of those little boys for 5 days. Lord, help us! And He does.

May He help you today to do the right thing…and be blessed.

Love, Dad/Ray.

The plot thickens. How could anyone resist being spell-bound by this movie? This is dramatic entertainment at its best. I have a hunch that even God is entertained—even though He is constantly involved as the Author, Director, and Producer—and even though the actors do not fully grasp that fact. (Read Psalm 2 again.) Perhaps Mordecai’s words to Queen Esther come the closest to identifying that fact—“And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” This great expression of faith, devotion, and dependence upon the Sovereign God of the Bible shows that there is much more to glean here than mere entertainment.

Once Esther was informed of Haman’s sinister plot against the Jews, she knew there was no way she could live with herself if she remained silent and did nothing in an attempt to only protect her own skin. She is a role model for how we are to play out our parts in life’s ongoing drama. She prefaced her plan to do the right thing with seeking God through prayer and fasting. Then she resolved to act out her reasonable plan at any cost, come what may—resolving to live and act according to what she knows rather than what she feels—“And if I perish, I perish” (4:16). Doing the right thing is always worth the risk. Indeed, if we will embrace the whole range of Biblical truth, doing the right thing represents no risk at all. The real risk is not doing it. “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins” (James 4:17).

What in the world is the purpose of a 75-foot high gallows? Good grief! That’s nearly as high as some of the tallest trees on our property. That’s what Haman’s wife and friends advised. I can only imagine that this was an attempt to demonstrate Haman’s power and superiority by hanging Mordecai up so high he could be seen by many from a great distance. They also suggested that Haman be unrestrained in his gloating and happiness—“Go party, and have a good time!” But I’m sorry, Haman—that’s all you’re going to get—only a little squirt of gloating and happiness. You may as well try to enjoy it while you can—because it sure won’t last long.

Like the coyote raging and plotting against the roadrunner, schemes of evil against the plans, purposes, and people of God will always backfire on those wielding the evil. Bank on it. They will always fail in the end. For those dedicated to doing the right thing, that is extremely good news. Doing the right thing with a HEART AFTER GOD simply cannot fail. “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord” (Proverbs 21:30).