Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear ones.

Threatening clouds are overhead—looking ready to unload. Callie is here telling me that breakfast is about ready at the house.

Before I send this, I want to call your attention to an attachment I’m including this time. It represents a couple excerpts from a newsletter I just received this morning from Pastor Harold Kilborn on the island of Kawai, Hawaii. As you will see, the one on “illegal immigrations” is particularly relevant to current debates.

May your day be blessed by His presence and approval as you live to please Him. OK, Callie—let’s go eat!

Love, Dad/grand dad/Ray.

By carefully examining the context, I am led to understand that the ASKING Jesus speaks of here is not concerned with asking for stuff. He, for good reason, refuses to be reduced to a celestial “Genie” who will grant all our wishes to feed our selfish self centeredness. Instead it involves asking for understanding and clarification as to the essential what, why, how, and where of Jesus’ words. Insecurity and fear are the automatic human responses to a setting of crisis out of control. It’s easy, even unavoidable, to find ourselves in such settings. These circumstances do not naturally yield joy and peace—quite the opposite. Jesus is affirming that, although bad times are coming, the premium qualities of joy and peace are still available only in Him. They flow out of relationship with Him—a knowing that He is still in charge—a trusting confidence that we are in His care and keeping.

The last verse in this reading is incredibly wonderful. I’m going to quote it here and stick in some of my own parenthetical comments. “I have told you these things, so that in me (Here’s another good place to quote Colossians 1:27—“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”) you may have peace (Is there any psychological commodity more valuable?). In this world (In this dirty deceptive “dumpster” environment…) you will have trouble. (That’s a promise! Don’t miss this fact!) But take heart! (That’s a command. The KJV says, “Be of good cheer.” Total joy.) I have overcome the world” (“I am not intimidated or controlled by this dirty deceptive “dumpster” environment! I totally transcend it! Remain in me and you can too!”).