Insightful Musings on theScriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good afternoon, dear ones.
It’s an absolutely gorgeous day—beyond Spring-like—more like early summer. The only negative of this warm weather is that it militates against attractive winter ski conditions. Oh well. Spring skiing is OK too—especially if the main goal is exercise.
This late in the day, I’m not real sure where to jump next. I think I’ll crank up the sawmill and punch out some lumber to fill a fresh order. Then there are sign layouts to work on for a Dentist friend in McMinnville.
Have a great rest of your day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
This prayer by David is preceded by an honest confession. He describes his insides as being turbulent—containing anxieties and emotions over the meaning and direction of his short life. His internal state of affairs seems akin to a steam boiler near the point of bursting. The Message translation puts verse 3 this way: “…my insides got hotter and hotter. My thoughts boiled over; I spilled my guts.” The FOCUS VERSES are the expressions of what spilled forth—a request of the LORD to help him think right concerning his short passage of earthly existence. It’s definitely a point of wisdom for us all to live this life with an awareness of how frail and non-permanent it is. The challenge that James relates is as contemporary now as it ever has been—“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14, KJV).
Wisdom speaks forth in Proverbs 8—even shouts. She makes quite a plea—presenting a healthy standard for navigating our brief sojourn. “Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?” (Proverbs 8:1) I have to equate this personage of “wisdom” with the very Spirit of God who draws and woos men into relationship with their Maker—“not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). Deeper into that chapter, the “Spirit of wisdom” puts forth this challenge and promise: “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death” (Proverbs 8:34-36).
The Apostle Paul understands how critically important it is for everyone to link up with this “Spirit of wisdom.” He prays toward that end on behalf of his Ephesian converts: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17).