Insightful Musings on theScriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, dear ones.
I think I was the first one to make human tracks on the nearby section of beach this morning. I did a little jog in the wind and rain. That was just before 6am. No fishing boats out there today. It’s quite bumpy with small craft warnings in effect.
We will be departing this setting at Depoe Bay around 10am or 11am…and head back to Portland and Molalla. But now we need to manufacture some breakfast.
Have a blessed day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
You have to admit that it’s kind of amusing to read Peter’s words almost 2000 years ago that “the end of all things is near.” So much history has been compiled since Peter, yet we still haven’t reached any kind of terminus. (He addresses this again in 2 Peter 3.)
I have a theory of relativity concerning this kind of thing. And I think Peter is speaking in relative terms. It really doesn’t matter if the fulfillment of his words takes place within this week or within the next 3 millennia, it is still NEAR when measured against the backdrop of time and history—and very, very near if considered in relation to the mind-boggling concept of eternity. The important thing to agree on and believe in is that IT WILL HAPPEN—whether we know it or not, like it or not, or ready or not. John points out that truly believing in the imminent return of Christ and the wrap-up of all things has a kind of purifying effect on the believer. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure” (1 John. 3:2-3).
Let’s not overlook the advice that is attached to this statement. “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” Let’s remember that true prayer is relationship or fellowship with God. We will be wise to protect that relationship above all else. Don’t let anything block or damage it. If we protect and maintain it, then it really doesn’t matter when our end or THE END comes. We’ll be ready.