Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear ones.

Four grandkids are here at present—Devyn and Callie, Kaden and Nicholas. Some are outside this window playing with some twirly-jigs I gave them that they shoot up into the air with a rubber band and watch them helicopter-twirl to the ground. Don’t you wish you had one?

I need to trim-cut a couple sign panels and then install them. There’s a significant list things to do to keep me more than busy for the day. Devyn just came in to say he doesn’t think he can put together an airplane kit I gave him…so I guess I’d better help.

Have a blessed day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

If Micah was only one little lone voice speaking out to announce the coming utopia of the millennial reign of Christ on earth, with Jerusalem as its capital, we would have reason to doubt the authenticity of the message. But this is a prediction and promise laced through the entire body of Biblical text, so I’m happy to accept it as fact—a future fact as real and substantial as any historical fact. After all, the One inspiring this message is the ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE END. Not only will it be a lot of fun to participate in that utopia where Christ rules and reigns, it is flat fun to imagine it and dream about it. Is there anything really wrong with believing in “pie in the sky by and by?” Man!—I can hardly wait! I view it as a good deal more valid and real than what you get when you “wish upon a star.”

Having made mention of that old expression, “pie in the sky by and by,” which critics use to denounce Bible believers whom they judge as becoming “so heavenly minded they are no earthly good,” it occurs to me that we are making references to two different settings—with two different locations. The “millennial reign of Christ” is on earth, while “pie in the sky” is a state that transcends earth, meaning heaven. Quite honestly, I don’t have all the data and details of eschatology all worked out in perfect form within my own little head. And I’m quite happy and thankful to believe that I don’t have to. I don’t view my perfect understanding as a prerequisite to participation. All I really need to do is “walk in his paths” (4:2) with a HEART AFTER GOD—which is on a par with “paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3)—which is equated with “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).

A simple illustration comes to mind. Those of us on the West Coast are familiar with I-5. Let’s pretend that Vancouver, British Columbia represents God’s promise of future perfection. In order to reach that destination, even though I may have never been there before, all I need to know is that (1) it exists, and that (2) I-5 North is the roadway for getting there. I could never get there by heading south. If I travel 50 miles north, I’m not there yet. If I go 100 miles, I’m not there yet. (I just confirmed the distance between Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, BC to be 313 miles.) Maybe I meet with some bad weather or road construction above Seattle which may be discouraging. What if I become very discouraged even 300 miles out, you would most likely agree it would be real dumb to reason, “Oh phooey—all this time and effort and I still haven’t reached Vancouver—I think I’ll just go back to Portland.” The point is that reaching Vancouver, BC is fool-proof—it’s unavoidable IF I stay on that roadway and don’t give up.

I appreciate the ancient bold consistent role-modeling of Micah. I also have to appreciate the modern role-modeling of Billy Graham. Apparently there are some special celebrations going on at present surrounding his 95th birthday. He stands tall in my estimation as one that has remained faithful to the simplicity of the Biblical Gospel all these years with no deviations or scandals—maintaining the main thing as the main thing. The directions he has presented for gaining “eternal life” are as simple and clear as staying on I-5 North—pointing to Jesus Christ who emphatically claimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).