2016 picture of Ray Sparre

Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67


January 21, 2018

Good Sunday morning, dear ones.

I’m hoping to do a little jog before running off to church. Our friends, Bill and Sharon Johnston will be joining us there. They will be presenting something of their missionary passion that flows from 40-plus years of service in Africa.

Have a blessed day. Ray

21 January 2018
Matthew 14:13-36
Focus:“As soon as the people were fed, Jesus told his disciples to get into their boat and to go to the other side of the lake while he stayed behind to dismiss the people. After the crowds dispersed, Jesus went up into the hills to pray. And as night fell he was there praying alone with God.”
Matthew 14:22-23 (The Passion Translation)

I’m selecting these two verses as my FOCUS VERSES. That’s like a flood light. But now I’m directing a spot light FOCUS on the last three words—“ALONE WITH GOD.”

It’s awesome to contemplate the TRINITY of God—three Persons in One. It’s also awesome to ponder the duality of Jesus—being both God and man at the same time. There are lots of things I accept without perfectly understanding. These are only a couple examples. However we add up the revelation information we are given, I think the principle that is implied in those three words of our spot light FOCUS deserves our attention and heed.

Let me restate the obvious: We who regard ourselves as Christians or Christ followers claim that He is our highest role model—our standard for faith, attitude, and behavior. Therefore, this can serve as a valid standard for self-examination by asking ourselves an honest question like this: To what degree do I value, seek, and practice being ALONE WITH GOD? After all, if Jesus was truly this awesome combination of man and God, yet valued and sought out personal time to be ALONE WITH GOD, should we do and be so any less? Is being ALONE WITH GOD simply optional?—or is it essential? We all have to decide.

Without getting too carried away with this, please allow me to stick on a YOUTUBE link for Larnel Harris singing, “I RUN TO THE ROCK.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76mdvsPI9mY. I don’t know how you will respond, but that song floats my boat! It’s way beyond entertainment! In my limited judgment, it’s an essential standard to live by!

Since we’re touching on song, I’m grabbing my guitar. Please sing with me this oldie:

“Shut in with God in a secret place
There in the Spirit beholding his face
Gaining new power to run in the race
I long to be shut in with God”

“A godly, righteous person has the ability to bring the light of instruction to the wicked
even though he despises what the wicked do.”
Proverbs 21:12 (The Passion Translation)