Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, dear people.
We failed to get in our walk/jog this morning. The dogs are pretty bummed over it. It was a fairly late bedtime last night. And we figure that Becki may have ingested something in our fast food choice of yesterday evening that triggered some kind of reaction to rob her of normal sleep. She’s now off to her Woodburn Bible study, but not running on all her cylinders.
My list just grew significantly this morning. Two other mill jobs are added to the pile. I better get busy.
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 a conclusive 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 take place within the week or within the next 3 millennia, it is still NEAR when measured against the backdrop of time and history—and very, very near when we compare time alongside the mind-boggling concept of eternity. The important thing to agree on and believe is that IT WILL HAPPEN—whether we like it or not, or whether we’re ready or not. Certainly it is far better to like it and be ready. 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.” Be reminded 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 this vital personal connection. If we protect and maintain it, then it really doesn’t matter when our end or THE END comes. We’ll be ready. That sure makes a lot of sense to me. And resisting or rejecting this basic Biblical TRUTH (for any reason), once it is understood, makes no sense.