The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 9:1-3, “I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience bearing me witness in the

Holy Spirit,

2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart.

3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my

kinsmen according to the flesh…”

It was Mark Twain who said, “If you always tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

Only once was I called as a prosecution witness in a trial. At the time, the defense counsel asked me several questions, but challenged my answers. He then asked me the nature of my occupation. I replied, “I am a minister of the Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ.” There was a brief stunned moment of silence, when the judge asked the defense counsel if he would like to ask me if I understood the oath I had taken. Everyone burst into laughter!

Perhaps anticipating some questions as to his truthfulness, the Apostle Paul commenced by stating that he was indeed telling the truth. He supported the veracity of his statement by adding that his conscience was governed by the Holy Spirit, so that he was virtually compelled to speak truthfully. Further, he had deep pain and unrelenting sorrow concerning the Jewish people – people who had not accepted Jesus as their Messiah.

The apex of Paul’s cry, however, exceeded everything – perhaps, everything he had ever said regarding his love for his Jewish people. “If it were only possible, I would spend eternity in Hell, separated forever from Christ, if only my Jewish kinsmen would come to faith in Him as their Messiah!”

Whom do you love that much? “Oh,” but you say, “he only said that because he knew it was not possible to do.” Really? Do you truly believe that of the Apostle Paul? Well, put yourself in his place and answer the question truthfully! I know some mothers, whom I’m certain would die for their children. Fathers? Not so many. Friends? Well…

The basic truth here is that none of us love the lost like we ought. If we did, we would witness of Him more fervently! We value our own lives too much. Paul had already died to himself. Perhaps that’s the place where we ought to start.

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.”