The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Samuel 12:22-24, “For the LORD will not abandon His people on account

of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people

for Himself. 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the

LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.

24 Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider

what great things He has done for you.”

The people of Israel had sinned by wanting to be like other nations

and have a human king to rule over them. Samuel had just rehearsed

for the people their long history, and while the people had acknowledged

their sin, Samuel assured them that the LORD would not abandon them.

Everything Samuel said to Israel is applicable to us. The LORD has been

pleased to save us. We are now His people. And those whom the LORD

has appointed over us, He has also required to pray for us and instruct

us in the right way –His way as revealed in His Word. And who is to

instruct us? Parents and pastors, who hold authority over us all. And

what is our responsibility? We are to “fear (reverence) the LORD”; we

are to “serve the LORD in truth” and “with all (our) hearts”; and we

are to “consider (be aware of, remember, understand) the great things

the LORD has done for (us).”

Israel did well as long as she followed Samuel’s directive. We do well

when we follow the LORD’s directive through His appointed servants.

Yet, there is the solemn warning in verse 25: “But if you still do wickedly,

both you and your king shall be swept away.” May we always follow

our LORD’s instructions. There is no better way.

We love and pray for you daily,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”