Insightful Musings on theScriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear people.

It’s another cloudy morning. Not real sure how this day will take shape. There are some calls to make that will determine some of that. I may be dropping a tree. I may be activating the boom truck to reinstall a big sign. I may be delivering some lumber. I may run with Thano to the Columbia to “test drive” his sailing kayak. I need to get on with some sign and graphics projects. Lots of things to do.

Becki reports no improvement in the status of her sister. Things seem to deteriorate more than improve. Her condition is a big baffle to the specialists. They have not really identified what in the world is wrong. All we can do is pray and trust in the Sovereign Specialist. And it’s good to know that her passport to Glory is current.

Blessings on your day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

Solomon is here describing the mindset of an aggressive adulteress. But the description fits most any run-of-the-mill unregenerate sinner. Such a person will carry on doing life, but they don’t really know what they’re doing, and they don’t know they don’t know. That’s a very sad condition indeed—but one that the grace of God and the Biblical Gospel meets head on. “For God so loved the entire collection of sin/hell-bound humans that He offered a transformational/mind-expanding rescue—so that whosoever embraces this life ring of love and grace shall not drown in sin’s darkness and stupidity—but will be given the Light of Life that doesn’t quit.” That’s my impulsive rendering of John 3:16—without making any claims of divine inspiration.

In black-and-white contrast to the mindset of that adulteress, David gives focused thought to the way of his life. I’ve decided to assign a theme to each verse of this reading in Psalm 119. You can see how it fits.

• ORIENTATION: “You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words” (v. 57).
• PASSION: “I have sought your face with all my heart” (v. 58).
• SELF-EXAMINATION: “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes” (v. 59).
• ANTICIPATING OPOSITION: “Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law” (v. 61).
• NIGHT-TIME WORSHIP: “At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws” (v. 62).
• FELLOWSHIP: “I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts” (v. 63).
• BIG-PICTURE PERSPECTIVE: “The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees” (v. 64).