Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings, dear ones.
Greetings, dear ones. 48 years ago today, Becki and I, in a public ceremony, sang these lines to each other:
- (Ray) Ah, sweet mystery of life at last I’ve found thee.
- (Becki) Yes, in love we’ve found the secret of it all.
- (Together) And the meaning of this life seems so much clearer—as we unite this day in love with hearts sincere.
- (Ray) Oh, I thrill at knowing God has made you mine dear.
- (Becki) Yes, I know, I know God’s given you to me.
- (Together) We will walk life’s road together never fearing—for it’s God’s plan—He’s promised to be near.
Blessings on yours.
Love, Dad/Ray.
“BY RESERVATION ONLY” reads the sign that I imagine could be set over the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven, here presented as “the new Jerusalem.”
Verse 4 states that with this new dimension of reality “the old order of things has passed away.” Indeed, the description of this new place is not like much of anything we humans are familiar with. However, I think we can draw a little bit of comprehension of the exclusivity of this heavenly state from our familiarity with this earthly state. For example, we have no difficulty understanding that we can’t just impulsively go into any place we want whenever we want. Many places require previous memberships, paid tickets, passports, prior arrangements, or reservations. The Bible is full of evidence that heaven is indeed exclusive—that it’s not for everyone—that reservations are required—that your name MUST be on the list.
So it is a serious popular misconception for people to think they can waltz into heavenly bliss as an automatic result of their dying, or because they simply want to, or because they are a nice person in their own estimation—or even because they sang in the choir or taught a Sunday School class. This is not just a popular misconception—it’s a popular DECEPTION! And I trust you understand both the source and objective of that deception.
Proverbs 3:5-6 has been a valuable anchor theme for my life. I think it deserves repeating here because it presents the most reliable antidote against deception and failure that I can think of. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Direct your paths where? Right into His presence forevermore!
Be reminded of this Biblical truth: ALL PATHS DO NOT LEAD TO HEAVEN, BUT ALL PATHS DO LEAD TO ETERNITY.
And what will you do with Jesus?”