Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear people.

I’m still a little steamy. Becki and I did a walk/jog. Now I’m awaiting a call to a late breakfast. Late seems to be the norm of late.

Actually I composed the basic devotional below back in 2010. When I read it today I’m again inclined to reason that I was smarter back then than I am now. It’s kind of funny how we can be re-inspired by old inspiration. I mentioned that thought to Becki this morning, expressing the possibility that this could underscore the benefits of a devotional journal—writing stuff down, stored away for later consumption. That’s what squirrels have been inspired to do. And I doubt very much that the Psalms of David were penned once and never reviewed—sung once and never sung again.

May your day go like it should.

Love, Ray.

Have you noticed in the scriptural record that people who have been specially chosen and greatly used by God seldom face a comfortable life and a natural death? Besides Jesus Himself, take, for example, the person Jesus declared to be the greatest man who ever lived—John the Baptist. Of him Jesus said, “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). Yet he got his head chopped off! Yippee! Is that the kind of outcome you would expect for this outstanding guy?!?

Our reading presents two special “witnesses” who are predicted to emerge in the middle of the tribulation period with a mighty ministry—specially empowered to communicate the Gospel and perform supernatural signs and wonders. But then they finally meet a violent death!—attacked and killed by the antichrist who is allowed (by Sovereign God) to be specially empowered by Satan. The witnesses are soon resurrected to life and then given a sensational public rapture (as contrasted with a secret one)—but they still had to die a violent death.

May I remind you of how very BIG and transcending (eternal) are God’s plans and purposes over those of natural mortal men? May I also remind you that you have been called and chosen to be a communicator of the Gospel of Christ and a representative of the Kingdom of God? Furthermore, may I remind you that the same diabolical power that governed Herod (who beheaded John the Baptist) and empowers the antichrist is also against you—meaning, you could be severely persecuted and even die as a direct result of your faith in Christ and His saving grace? Are you scared yet? Well, you shouldn’t be. Because I remind you that when you seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and choose to follow Christ, you, like those two witnesses, become invincible and indestructible until your assignment is complete? And when it’s complete, God’s not done with you yet. Paul’s exclamation is worth repeating: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). So, death?—even a violent one? Hey! Get it straight! It’s no big deal for the child of God! Besides, death is going to happen one way or another anyway. Be reminded that none of us are getting out of here alive (physically). And be reminded of Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). Our Biblical faith affirms that death for the believer, by whatever means, is simply the unavoidable passageway to a place He has prepared for those who love Him—a place of eternal joy—an option given by the only One Who Knows—the only One Who is above sin and death.