The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 55:12-16, “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, then I could bear it; nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, then I could hide myself from him.
13 But it is you, a man my equal, my companion and my familiar friend;
14 We who had sweet fellowship together walked in the house of God in the throng.
15 Let death come deceitfully upon them; let them go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in their dwelling, in their midst.
16 As for me, I shall call upon God, and the LORD will save me.

Have you ever had a friend who turned against you? At first, you were so stunned that you simply would not believe it. Yet, the evidence was undeniably there. He had betrayed you! What he had done, what he had said, revealed clearly that he was not your friend. What should you do? What can you do?

It is believed that this Psalm depicts the treachery of Ahithophel, when he schemed against David (2 Sam. 15:31). Ahithophel had been David’s friend and confidential counselor. They shared everything. They “opened their minds and plans” to each other (Barnes). They worshipped God together. They were believable friends. Then David learned of the breech in their fellowship.

David could do nothing to reproach his enemy. Therefore, he commits him into the Hands of the LORD. And it is best that we follow this procedure when we are betrayed by those whom we have called “friends.” Seeking to denounce them as traitors only besmirches our own character and discourages those who previously believed us to be above such tactics. After all, those who betray true Christian friends are always best dealt with by the LORD. Maintain your fellowship with Him. He will handle those who rage against you.

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