The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Esther 9:28, “So these days were to be remembered and celebrated throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and these days of Purim were not to fail from among the Jews, or their memory fade from their descendants.”

Memorial Day (sometimes called Decoration Day) has a number of origins. Which one is correct depends upon which

historical account one believes to be the most accurate. It is a day set aside to remember the dead, particularly those

who laid down their lives in the service of their country.

The Jews in the days of Esther had come under siege in the land of Persia due to the treachery of one called Haman.

Esther, herself a Jewess, but unknown as such to King Ahasuerus, was principally responsible for the king’s edict,

which freed the Jews from tyranny. Thereafter, the Jews celebrated their freedom annually in a feast called Purim.

In a sense, it was a Memorial of their delivery from death.

Many of us have special days of remembrance; some are birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, and a multitude of “special” days that serve us as reminders of outstanding events in our own histories.

Yet, of all the memorable days, the most memorable of mine was my day of salvation. It was a “key” day in my life, although I did not realize that for many years. When we turn our lives over to Jesus Christ, we relinquish all claim upon them. Whatever ambitions we might have had to that point in life, they are given over to the control of the LORD. Now, we are committed to do His will and not our own. Needless to say, it is much easier when we are saved at an early age. My age of salvation was seven, and I had no ambitions that had to be shelved when the LORD called me into His ministry at age 17.

Now, I can clearly see His Divine Hand leading me over these many years. His leadership on my life commenced with my parents and grandparents. They contributed immeasurably to my well being, leading me to a godly wife and life companion. Yes, there are many “memorial” days in my life. What about you? Do you have some outstanding days of memory? We may not celebrate them with a feast as the Jews did with the Feast of Purim. But they are there, locked inside our minds, ready to stimulate us onward and upward, according to His call. There are no “accidents” our histories, especially when our lives are directed by the LORD. Who could lead us “on right paths” other than the LORD?

Think about your life. Do you know the LORD? Is He controlling your life right now? If not, why not trust Him with it?

You cannot do better than He can do. Believe me, it will be the Day to remember!

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.”