Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings, special people.
Becki and I managed a walk/jog earlier…during which time we both engaged in some powerful preaching. Some of our ideas were spin-offs from our earlier discussion of the devotional below.
Now we face an interesting couple days. After knocking out some work, Becki and I will travel to Winlock/Chehalis where we will participate in Becki’s 50th High School Reunion (Winlock High School). There will be a formal dinner this evening…then tomorrow a parade in Winlock (The Egg Day Parade) followed by a nearby picnic gathering. I wonder if any of them will be up to a game of flag football. We’ll see.
Whatever you do today, get you mind in gear to do it as UNTO THE LORD. That’s Bible!
Love, Dad/Ray.
Oh really? Is that what we honestly and truly do? Or is it just beautiful poetic overstatement—or idealistic religion? Who is “we”? What “temple?” Where is it? What does it mean to “meditate?” What is the value of “unfailing love” if one side of the love relationship fails? Is “unfailing love” capable (or willing) of circumventing failed love unconditionally? Anyway, if you can respond with the correct answers to these questions, I am confident that you are on a good safe course—because within this standard is the recipe for success from God’s perspective. But if you give wrong answers, or are not sure of the correct ones, I have reason to worry that you may be in trouble—you may be on a dangerous course—and not even know it.
How we answer these questions, of course, is a reflection of how we think—how we reason, how we connect dots, how we establish values and make choices, and how we manage our time and behavior. Do you see how critically important that is? THINK RIGHT—LIVE RIGHT—AND END UP IN THE RIGHT PLACE. THINK WRONG—LIVE WRONG—AND END UP IN THE WRONG PLACE. This is not complicated rocket science.
The songwriter begins Psalm 46 with a majestic expression—“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…” (46:1-2). If we’re not careful to maintain that on a personal level in a way that constantly affirms Him as MY REFUGE and MY STRENGTH, then that’s all it is—a “majestic expression.” In stark contrast to that attitude of heart is one described in Psalm 49. “This is the fate of those who trust in themselves” (49:13)—“…those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches” (49:6). Taking into account the full scope of Biblical revelation, we have here an indication of the two most basic kinds of people on planet earth—those who trust in themselves, and those who trust in Christ—not idealistically, religiously, or superficially, but personally, practically, and persistently.
Since we are here critiquing expressions in song, I think it’s fitting to cite the first verse of Martin Luther’s great hymn—“A Mighty Fortress.” Allow me to edit it slightly and insert an emphasis on making it personal. I don’t think Martin would mind.
“A mighty fortress is MY God, a bulwark never failing;
MY helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still MY ancient foe doth seek to work ME woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.”