The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 4:16-18, “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

We are created with a mechanism of self-defense. When danger becomes our enemy, we don’t have to be told it is danger. The mechanism of self-defense kicks in and we are alerted to protect ourselves. The defense of which Paul is speaking, however, is not that kind of defence. He had been charged with an unlawful act, and not one person was there to speak in his defence. Yet, while we would not reprove him for discounting them as “friends,” he takes the high road as says, “…may it not be counted against them.”

If those who knew his innocence would not stand with him in his defence, how could he then be freed? His own words allow that the LORD Himself was his deliverer. Paul discovered the power of the LORD working on his behalf, just as He had worked for David, as recorded in the Psalms:

“You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God
of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
But the LORD will take me up” (Psa. 27:9b-10).

Yet, why would the LORD deliver the Apostle Paul? It was that through him the proclamation might be fully accomplished and that the Gentiles might hear the Word of Salvation. Remember that God is sovereign. His will cannot be countermanded. But Paul is stuck in the middle, you say. Yet, but the LORD is there with him to deliver him.

And how did Paul keep from buckling? His friends had deserted him; the counselor-at-law stood against him; but the LORD lifted him up! Remember this when you think everything and everyone is against you. Even if your father and mother were not to stand for you, the LORD will be your sure defense. Oh, what a Savior we have! Trust Him! He trusts you with the dissemination of His Gospel!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. A good way to witness on the Internet is to send a Gospel Tract. I have one that you can use over
and over again. I have attached it in two formats for you to read and share with others. Jesus will
stand with you in this venture just as He did with Paul. Just share it prayerfully. Then follow it up
with a kind and sincere inquiry.

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