Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear ones.

It’s not normal for me to be up this late. But since I was the last person to join the other 4 people sharing this condo, I got to sleep on the main room sofa/hide-a-bed. And that can only happen after everyone else is done talking, watching movies, etc. So now I’m going to jump in the shower—then into bed.

The skiing on Mt. Bachelor was really quite good for spring conditions. My old legs definitely got a workout. Still not sure about tomorrow.

Good night. Sleep tight. Hope I do too.

Love, Dad/Ray.

It is highly significant to note that this occasion of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a never-before-ridden donkey (…a miracle in itself! Try it sometime.) amidst a big parade of exuberant supporters was the first time Jesus had ever allowed Himself to be presented publicly as the promised Messiah. The crowds were eager and excited over the idea of a Messiah, but totally ignorant of how it would immediately play out according to God’s script.

The next day when Jesus storms the temple at Jerusalem and purges it of the merchandising that had become commonplace there, He quotes from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. I’d like to give some attention to the three main phrases Jesus uses with the confidence that they contain some valuable practical meaning for us all.

“MY HOUSE.” Jesus was quoting from the Old Testament with obvious emphasis on a real building. But the New Testament makes the profound point that “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). There is a huge amount of scripture to support this idea. Think of it. Your very life and existence is a house made by God—for God.

“HOUSE OF PRAYER.” The Genesis account gives insight into the fact that God’s original intent in the creation of man was for fellowship. Fellowship with God IS prayer. And prayer IS living in eager obedience to His will and design. This is our divinely-intended function and purpose. So what is what is it that violates and interferes with that function and purpose? SIN.

“DEN OF ROBBERS.” That which is permitted in our lives to block our calling to fellowship with God is to be reckoned as a thief and a robber—and needs to be decisively run out of town. These subtle thoughts and influences are enemies and craftily wile their ways into our lives in all sizes, shapes, and forms. (See again Galatians 5:19-21.) They must be identified. They must be expelled at any cost.

The BAD NEWS is that none of us can achieve this on our own. The GOOD NEWS is that all this is achievable through Christ as we personally embrace Him as Savior and Lord.