Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear ones.

Earlier we talked about this special day—special for us—tallying 47 years for our marriage. But already we face some alterations to the day. Becki just called me (we tend to use our cell phones as an intercom even at home) to report that Thano does indeed have some kind of an infection hammering him and that she booked him in for a doctor visit this morning in Silverton. That excursion will also include management of the two little boys whom she just picked up this morning at 8am. Not yet sure how we will work out all the details.

An old friend popped in yesterday—Jerry Snyder. He was actually in our wedding ceremony way back then. Becki even reminded him that he had proposed to Yvonne on their way home from our wedding. He had forgotten that fact. That’s another good reason to keep Becki around—she helps me with my ailing memory too.

Let’s see—I’m forgetting what she told me I had to get done today. I better go ask her.

Blessings on your day.

Love and prayers—Dad/Ray.

“BY RESERVATION ONLY” reads the sign that I imagine could be over the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven, here presented as “the new Jerusalem.”

Verse 4 states that with this new dimension of reality “the old order of things has passed away.” Indeed, the description of this new place is not like much of anything we humans are familiar with. However, I think we can draw a little bit of comprehension of the exclusivity of this heavenly state from our familiarity with this earthly state. For example, we have no difficulty understanding that we can’t just go into just any place we want whenever we want. Many places require previous memberships, paid tickets, passports, prior arrangements, or reservations. The Bible is full of evidence that heaven is indeed exclusive—that it’s not for everyone—that reservations are required—that your name MUST be on the list.

So it is a serious popular misconception for people to think they can waltz into heavenly bliss as an automatic result of their dying, or because they simply want to, or because they are a nice person in their own estimation. This is not just a popular misconception—it’s a popular DECEPTION! And I trust you understand both the source and aim of that deception.

Proverbs 3:5-6 has been a valuable anchor theme for my life. I think it deserves repeating here because it presents the most reliable antidote against deception and failure. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Direct your paths where? Right into His presence forevermore!

Be reminded of this Biblical truth: ALL PATHS DO NOT LEAD TO HEAVEN, BUT ALL PATHS DO LEAD TO ETERNITY.