The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Corinthians 16:2-9, “On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
3 And when I arrive, whomever you may approve, I shall send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;
4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
5 But I shall come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
6 and perhaps I shall stay with you, or even spend the winter, that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
8 But I shall remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

Have you ever experienced someone at your door, suitcase in hand, and hearing the person say that he was going to stay for a time –an indeterminate time – at your house? Possibly, you have. Yet, the shock of the discovery was smothered when you recognized the person to be a dearly loved relative. Such was the attitude of the Corinthian Christians with the Pauline notification that he was en route to their city. Moreover, the Jerusalem Church was greatly in need of funding. Many (perhaps, most) churches in those early days were poor. Their members were poor and they needed help from other believers.

The need that existed in that Jerusalem Church is replicated today in many, many places. The church you and I attend may not be a needy church; therefore, it is our responsibility to lend support to churches that are in need. I recall quite clearly urging some young people in Australia to prayerfully find a missionary, who was in need, and help by giving some regular support. My late wife and I followed that procedure, and I endeavor to continue it as long as the LORD allows. Oh, we all rejoice at gifts we receive from time-to-time; but there is no joy like the joy of giving! Pray about that! You cannot out-give the LORD!

I have always been intrigued by Paul’s words in that last verse above: “…a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” Note that he did NOT say, “but there are many adversaries.” He said “and” (???) there is great resistance! Paul seemed to thrive on resistance to the Gospel. Perhaps, he knew that where the devil was most resistant, the glory of the LORD would be dominant and most outstanding. In any event, you and I are not to skirt the difficulties we encounter. Rather, we are to trust the LORD and wage a spiritual battle in the confidence that it is the LORD’s battle, and no power, demonic or otherwise, can successfully resist the strength and will of the LORD! May He bless you mightily!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom