The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 2:5-11, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

9 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

What is your name? You’ve probably been asked that many times. And you’ve

replied by stating your name for the inquirer. Names have meanings, although

in more recent times, less thought has been given to the meaning than to the

sound. I researched the meaning of some names – names of our grandsons.

Jonathan means “God’s gift”; Richard, “Rich and powerful”; Jeffrey, “Peaceful”;

Matthew, “Gift of God”; Robert, “Bright; famous,” and Christopher, “Christ-bearer.”

No doubt some would attach a significance to the persons of these names. Yet,

there is one name that out-ranks all of them: Jesus, “Messiah, Savior, LORD.”

Paul writes that someday “every knee would bow” before Him. To bow before

someone is to acknowledge their superiority. It is to say, “I am bowing to you

because you are greater than I.” Paul further states that on that day every knee

would bow: those “in Heaven, and on Earth, and under the Earth…” On the Day

of Judgment those already in Heaven, those who are alive on Earth, and those

who are dead and in Hell –all will bow before the LORD Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Supreme! And in this solemn act, the Father will be glorified.

Think about that. If we are to bow before Him then, should we not bow before

Him now? Bowing before Him is an open acknowledgement to all people that He

is in control of our lives now. Baptism is such an acknowledgement. It says to all

observers (and more) that we are dead to ourselves –our desires, our way and

purpose in life—and have been raised alive only for His glory! Parents (and grand-

parents) glory in children who mirror the LORD in their lives. How much more

does the LORD glory in those who look like Him and live that others may see Him

reflected in their lives.

Our prayers are that your life will always reflect that of Christ Jesus,

Nana & Dado III

NOTE: Nana starts her shots today in preparation for

her heart catherization on Wednesday. Please

pray for a good resolution to her problem.

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”