The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 11:31-34, “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.”

Have you ever taken time to remember people who were instrumental in influencing your life? If you’re like I am, you started with two or three and suddenly numbered far more than you had thought possible. I think that’s what happened to the Apostle Paul as he thought back on the history of Israel. He started with Abel and before he knew it, he was naming a host of faithful believers.

Sarah (v. 11) was first; and now he mentions Rahab, a prostitute. There are some people in the current news who claim that their lives have been significantly changed by the LORD –people whom I would never have guessed ever even read the Bible. But the mention here of Rahab shows that people can be changed by the power of God.

Paul realizes he cannot name everyone when he says, “For time will fail me…” Yet, he mentions Gideon, who with 300 men surrounded Jericho and brought the walls down. I’ve stood on the ruins of Old Testament Jericho. Kathleen Kenyon, the noted archeologist, was the first to discover the ashes of the fires that engulfed that city, all from the LORD using the hand of Gideon.

Interestingly enough, Barak was mentioned, but not Deborah (Jud. 4). Samson, the Old Testament strongman, was noted. However, he was weakened by a clever, evil woman, and blinded by his enemy, the Philistines. Jephthah was a warrior and became a good and mighty man, despite the fact that his mother was a prostitute. David and Samuel well deserved to be in this Roll Call of the Faithful. And while Paul did not name everyone, he alluded to Daniel and possibly, Esther, who put to flight the enemies of her people, the Jews, and occasioned the suicide of the wicked Haman!

The Bible teaches that there will be another Roll Call. I’ts called “The Judgment Seat of Christ.” At that time, all believers will give account of their stewardship, or lack of it. Everything we have done and/or failed to do, will, of course already be known by the LORD. Yet, some of us will be embarrassed when it all becomes known to others at that judgment. Rewards will also be distributed, each of us receiving appropriate commendation for the service to the LORD that we have rendered while here on Earth.

Those mentioned above by the Apostle Paul, and all whose lives extend well beyond his knowledge, will stand before the LORD and give account of what they have done and what they have failed to do. Are you ready for that test if it were tonight? Start right now and repent before the LORD of all evil things that you have said and done. Ask Him to reveal to you things you’ve honestly forgotten. Then, admit those things to Him and ask His forgiveness. Get yourself ready for the BIG ROLL CALL before Jesus! You have time right now to get ready. Tomorrow may be too late.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

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.”