Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear people.

My head sure hurts. The infection that set in following that little surgical removal of a carcinoma a week ago has not really let up, even with the faithful intake of antibiotics. And I learned that one thing that makes it hurt worse is to cry—which is what I did this morning in the course of reading the passage from Luke 1. Is something wrong with me? I don’t even understand why my emotions are so impacted by that account of the birthing of John the Baptist—then that powerful burst of praise and prophecy from Zechariah. I wonder if part of the cause is that I don’t read these passages here in the privacy of my studio silently—I read out loud—sometimes very loud. Anyway, to say the least, this passage moves me. Whew!

Now, I have a lot before me. I already called a guy to say I would have his cedar log milling completed by this afternoon. Then I just finished an absolutely terrible call—from a fellow who has had me do a sandblasted sign production in black walnut that turned out great—except, as he informs me this morning, there is one misspelling of the word “PAVILION” which I rendered as “PAVILLION,” which he failed to catch in the layout proofs I sent. Bummer! It’s got to be done all over again.

Have a good day—remembering that when it’s all done, it can’t be done over again.

Love, Dad/Ray.

I want us to hone in on the theme of Zechariah’s prophetic song: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us…to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.”

While it is easy to recognize that this inspired burst of praise views the primary benefactors of God’s plan as being Jews—the descendants of Abraham—it announces profound benefits to all believers. It applies to you…and me. It is still God’s high priority to enable us through the dynamic influence of His Spirit and Word to rescue us from the enemies of SIN, SELF, and SATAN and serve Him without fear (insecurity), in holiness (dedication) and righteousness (right relationship) all our days (as long as we live). All we need to do is to continue to review our own priorities to make sure they are in harmony with His. And, if in that process there is any discernment whatsoever of conflict, please understand who needs to adjust. It’s sure not Him! We are wise to agree that He has every right to set the terms of this rescue plan.

PS: For extra credit, please read Psalm 124.