Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello, dear ones, on another gorgeous summer morning.

The present weather pattern is allowing us to take a lot of our meals on our creekside deck. The dogs enjoy it too as we use the time as a chance to throw balls for them up and down the creek. The cutthroat trout enjoy it too as I enjoy watching them enjoy my tossing out little food parcels from my lunch for them to feed on and compete for.

Sign work and saw work—it’s all staring at me in abundance. Better get on with it.

Blessings on your day. Love, Dad/Ray.

In my Bible, this section is given the title heading of “SIGNS OF THE END OF THE AGE.” What a provocative disclosure Jesus gives!! But it can also be intellectually and emotionally taxing—IF we fail to stay focused on the priority instructions He gives. Insofar as providing us with clear information so as to generate a clear picture of how things will be at or near the end of the age, it seems that more questions are being raised than we are given answers.

The passage opens with the disciples exclaiming over the extravagant and beautiful adornments of the Jerusalem Temple. Before we get carried away with the big picture, let’s give some attention to the little picture of you and me. Consider how Scripture also makes use of the word “temple” as a metaphor representing our own bodies and lives. For example, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It’s easy for us to exclaim over some great and famous human being who has performed extraordinary feats and achievements—or maybe even look in the mirror and admire that fine specimen of a man—or that gorgeous “cover girl.” On that basis, allow me to suggest a paraphrase of Jesus’ words: “Do you see that amazing person—that awesome human athlete, spectacular talent, brilliant intellect, beautiful body, and attractive charm? Let me tell you in no uncertain terms—what you see is only a snapshot on a fleeting time line—a short-lived passing blip of existence—and not one of them will physically endure—not one living cell will remain living and active—absolutely every one of them will die, decompose, and return to dust.”

Besides that kind of reflection, there is an abundance of urgent practical instruction given us here relating to the temporal quality of absolutely EVERYTHING around us that is physical—with the assurance that, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (v. 33). Consider these: “Watch out that you are not deceived” (v. 8). “Do not follow them” (v. 8). “Do not be frightened” (v. 9). “But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves” (v. 14). “By standing firm you will gain life” (v. 18). “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (v. 28). “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day close on you unexpected like a trap” (v. 32). “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man” (v. 36). Amen!