The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Chronicles 13:8, 18, “So now you intend to resist the kingdom of the LORD through the sons of David, being a great multitude and having with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made for gods for you.”
18 Thus the sons of Israel were subdued at that time, and the sons of Judah conquered because they trusted in the LORD, the God of their fathers.”

History is replete with wars. Nations perceive what other nations possess and determine to procure it for themselves. Yet, there is nothing more egregious than a fight between factions of a single kingdom. Abijah was of the lineage of Benjamin; Jeroboam, a former servant of King Solomon. It’s a long and complicated situation, but Jeroboam counted on victory through the golden gods he possessed, while Abijah trusted solely in the LORD. Ultimately, Abijah’s trust in the LORD give him the victory.

I see a parallel here between those who believe their good works and religious rituals will register them as acceptable to God (Jeroboam), while others are looking for victory strictly through their personal relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ (Abijah). The Scriptures in every place allow that Christ Jesus alone came to save sinners. The so-called “good lives” in which others trust are simply not acceptable to the LORD.

At the same time, our Christian witness itself cannot rest upon personal goodness. It rests solely upon the love of the Savior, who sacrificed Himself upon the Cross and arose victoriously from the grave. Our LORD now indwells us in the person of the Holy Spirit, who radiates His love toward others through the medium of our lives. Thus, love –His Love—reaches out to others through us and begs them to accept Him as their Savior and LORD. Have you accepted His Love? You can be reconciled to God! He has won the victory over sin, death, and the grave! Trust Him to give you His Living Life! Then share it! He loves you far more than you know.

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