Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello, dear ones.

The day has already begun popping with added work and commitments that I’ve not been able to follow through with a jog. I doesn’t look like I can. And yesterday became so congested so early that I didn’t get to any devotional production. I guess I’d better be happy with having work stack up like this when I consider the alternatives. I’m still finding that there’s a lot of ministry to transact along the way…which can get in the way of progress toward getting the work done…but I’m not really complaining. Men’s need for the Gospel is bigger than my need for money.

Signs and saw milling are both on today’s agenda. And my crane truck is at a shop for repairs. I better keep moving.

Blessings on your day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

Idioms and metaphors abound in our language to describe people or groups who talk big and tough when they are really quite small and wimpy. It’s all part of man’s bent to control others by manipulation and intimidation—often called bluffing. Some examples are: “He’s all bark and no bite.” “He writes tough, but he’s just a paper tiger.” “She’s full of hot air.” “They’re just blowing smoke.” “You cross this red line, and you’re in trouble!” The bluffing game is very commonplace in human society. And it can come pretty close to home, with children learning the game early when mommy repeatedly says, “If you do that again, Sammy, you’ll get a whipping!” But Sammy has heard that before and has learned by experience that mommy is just making noise to make herself feel like she’s in control—he has learned it’s just another empty threat. The point is that the Sovereign LORD is not like that—He’s not given to manipulation by bluff—He does not “threaten in vain.”

The foundational law of Hebrews 11:6 comes to mind: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Let’s get this nailed down. What is it that is impossible? Pleasing God. I take that to mean fulfilling His purposes and making our created lives work right. What is it that is so essential to that objective? “FAITH.” What follows in the text is a profound practical definition of Biblical FAITH—presented as really and truly knowing and believing. Knowing and believing what? That He exists—that He is real, Sovereign, Maker/Owner, the Supreme definition of TRUTH, a Sovereign Who says what He means and means what He says, and has every right to call the shots, set the rules, and be sought and worshiped by His human creatures—awarding wonderful benefits and rewards to those who do, and severe consequences to those who don’t. And there’s nothing half-hearted or casual about this quest—it must be done “earnestly.” This really is the fundamental message of Biblical revelation. It’s the fundamental TRUTH that God wants you to KNOW—“KNOW that I am the LORD.” Question: Why would anyone not WANT to know what God WANTS them to know? Nevertheless, that’s exactly where Israel failed. And it’s exactly where we can fail. This is the clear CAUSE behind the deplorable EFFECT of Jerusalem’s destruction and Israel’s captivity which the prophet Ezekiel describes going on around him.

A simple bottom-line conclusion to all this is one I have to draw frequently: IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT I MAINTAIN A LIFE COURSE THAT IS GOVERNED BY WHAT I KNOW FROM GOD’S WORD—NOT BY WHAT I FEEL, PREFER, OR THINK. My bias believes you are wise to respond with a heart-level “Amen!”