The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Genesis 4:6, “Then the LORD said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?’”

Whether it sounds like it or not, “hermeneutics” is a method of studying the Scriptures.

One of the first principles is that the way something is first used in Scripture, is the way

it is to be understood throughout. For instance, the first mention of a snake (serpent) in

the Garden of Eden is evil; and from thereon throughtout the Word, snakes are representative of evil.

What, where, when, who, and why and are five important words that reveal more than you would think when applied to a thorny situation. Why is probably the most intriguing of

the five.

The first mention of the word why occurs in Genesis 4:6, and thereafter it occurs 421 times in the New American Standard Bible: Why are you angry? Why has your countenance fallen? Why did you not tell me? Why did you say…? Why do you stand outside? Why have you come?

Very often we see things in the news and ask Why? Sometimes we look at ourselves and

ask Why? Why did I do that? Why did I not speak up? Why are some people the way they are? There are thousands of questions that start and end with Why?

A five year-old-boy was airlifted to Children’s Hospital with a terrifying disease! Why?

A local business-owner, known for his Christian faith died rather unexpectedly. Why?

A teenage girl disappeared from her home and has yet to be found. Why?

I had some close friends, but they suddenly turned against me. Why?

When the LORD twice asked why of Cain, He already knew the answer. Asking why puts

the onus or responsibility on the person being asked. So, when your parents or Sunday School teacher or even a close friend asks why you did or said something, they are expecting you to give cause to the question. Still more importantly, the LORD views our every move, knows our every thoughts, and the motivation that pushes thoughts into action.

And even when our consciences are clear and yet trouble looms in our pathway, and brings us to our knees in prayer, we find ourselves asking “Why, LORD? Why me?” We may never know the full extent of our suffering. But, we can and do know that the LORD is faithful, and loves us through the trouble. Why? He’s teaching us to trust Him. Do you?

We love and pray for you every day,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

P. S. Rose Marie went into hospital this morning, having had what is arguably her worst

night ever! When dawn broke this morning, I called the EMTs and they transported

her to our “old, second home,” Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville.

Careful and skillful treatment is at work to restore her health, and progress is evident.

The opportunities for witnessing abound, and she is not shy about telling folks of Jesus.

Your continuing prayers are most encouraging. Thank you!

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”