Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings, dear ones.
I rose later than normal…so here I am enduring the consequence with the lateness of the hour. But Becki and I earlier pulled off our WOG. I stopped for a time on the way back and picked some blackberries. There’s a section of the road that is lined with bushes lush with big beautiful fruit. I held the top edge of the plastic bag in my teeth, which allowed me to use both hands in the picking. I would estimate the yield at about 1 pound per 8 minutes. I returned home with two pounds exactly.
I responded to an ad in Craigslist for a beautiful white German Shepherd. We’ll see what comes of this. The person that has her said in a responding email message that she is having to screen about 50 or so responses.
Lots to squeeze into another Saturday. Blessings on yours.
Love, Dad/Ray.
The passage begins with more woe. Specific people, places, and things are mentioned, but the principle behind the oracle is glaring—WOE TO ANYONE WHO PUTS THEIR TRUST IN THEMSELVES, THEIR SECURITIES, AND THEIR STUFF MORE THAN THEY SEEK AND TRUST THEIR MAKER. This has always been a hard pill for humans to swallow. History proves that. Perhaps your own history offers some evidence. But there is no other way to interpret an overview of Biblical revelation—by living and striving to protect oneself with little or no thought of God, people are unwittingly choosing a recipe for ultimate disaster. Conversely, seeking and trusting Him is a recipe for security and blessing beyond imagination.
Amidst all this woe are some spikes of wonderful encouragement. Chapter 32 begins with a description of virtual utopia promised under the reign of Christ in His Millennial Kingdom. I can’t imagine what else the prophet would be describing. “See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice” (32:1). Wouldn’t that be nice?! During that time, “the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen” (32:3). Citizens of this kingdom will be given spiritual enlightenment and understanding. “No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected” (32:5)—freedom at last from political corruption that seems rampant in our day. “For the fool speaks folly, his mind is busy with evil: He practices ungodliness and spreads error concerning the LORD” (32:6). Do you think there are any influences in our modern world that spread a little “error concerning the LORD?” What an understatement!
Be encouraged! We have not yet beheld the completion and fulfillment of all things. Before then there may still be some tough traveling. But please tuck Isaiah 33:6 away into your heart and mind: “He will be the sure foundation for your times (whatever you face), a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” Praise Him! Please repeat that last line with me—“THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE KEY TO THIS TREASURE.” Say it again. More important, never stop believing it—otherwise it risks being just another liturgical chant.