Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello, dear people.

It was one of those bursts of spontaneous praise when I stepped outside this morning about 6am, with coffee cup in hand, still dark—but looking up and taking in the expanse and the beauty of the sky with patchy clouds, a near full moon, bright stars in the clearings, along with patches of mist over the landscape—I just couldn’t hold it back—nor did I want to. I think I spilled some coffee.

Oh, there’s my honey coming—whom I see through my clean window. Yup! I finally cleaned it. We’ll commence our little walk/jog routine.

That big tree was about exactly what I estimated—150 feet tall—actually 148 feet. I meant to get on with some work there yesterday, but was consumed by another problem—having run a track off my track hoe on that rocky terrain—then fighting to get it back in place. I finally won—but ran out of time before having to run off to other commitments.

Have a great day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

This character that we know as “John the Baptist” absolutely amazes me. With no formal training and experience that we know of, the depth of his insights and attitudes appear to me to be clearly God-inspired. On the other hand, why would I be surprised when I ponder John’s origins as recorded in Luke 1? He even “leaped” in his mother’s womb at the voice of Jesus’ mother (Luke 1:41). Anyway, this statement he makes to his disciples is a display of great maturity and clarity of vision. Some of John’s disciples approach him and say, in so many words, “Have you noticed that you no longer have a monopoly? This new guy (Jesus) is now heading up a competitive baptismal program!” I’ve been around Christian ministry enough to know that lots of ministers would have become rather irritated, threatened, and maybe call the new guy a “sheep stealer.” But John simply states, “The bride belongs to the bridegroom.” He understood purpose, ownership, and to Whom we all are ultimately accountable—cutting across the petty lines of tribalism, denominationalism, and exclusivism that so typically divide people into groups with attitudes of superiority—including church groups.

My brother and a couple close friends stood with me when I was wed to Becki nearly 48 years ago. She was MY bride. No one else’s. My “groomsmen” were invited to participate in the wedding, but had no right to participate in the marriage—if you know what I mean. In the same way, John recognizes who’s who in this scene along with the boundaries for each one’s rights and responsibilities. I think we can be benefitted by a similar view, keeping in mind that Jesus is the Bridegroom of His bride the Church (all who choose to BELIEVE IN HIM), the Great Shepherd of the sheep, and the Sovereign Lord over us all. Let’s remind ourselves that we are mere stewards, representatives, and custodians—not owners.