The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 2:1-9, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
5 And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,
9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.”
There’s a children’s song I remember from my childhood days. It says —
I may never march in the infantry,
Ride in the cavalry,
Shoot the artillery;
I may never fly ‘ore the enemy,
But I’m in the Lord’s army!
There are a lot of things a soldier must be; and strong is the first one! But in the LORD’s army, it’s not physical strength that’s needed so much as grace (kindness). All soldiers anticipate suffering. That’s true of Christian soldiers, too. But as we live and witness for Him, our sustenance lies in the grace He gives us. “Suffer hardship with me,” Paul says. Don’t get entangled with things of everyday life.

Paul then moves from a military analogy to that of an athlete. Athletes must train with a focus toward winning! They have to keep their minds on the ultimate prize! Think, too, of the farmer. He labors for the reward his crops bring. Each of these analogies speak of the Christian in his ministry for the LORD. Stay focused, believer! The LORD gives us understanding as we read and study His Word.

Keep your focus on Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, and arose from the dead to enable our justifiication before God the Father. Don’t worry about the suffering you encounter for being a Christian. Jesus suffered far more than we ever could. Just remember: “the Word of God is not imprisoned.” When you share it, it goes exactly where the LORD wants it to go. It pierces the human heart; it’s never wasted. Sometimes we have to knock repeatedly before someone comes to the door. So it is with witnessing. Just keep on keeping on! And thank the LORD for His enabling strength! His reward lies in eternity.

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