The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Chronicles 17:1-2, “And it came about, when David dwelt in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Behold, I am dwelling in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under curtains.’
2 Then Nathan said to David, ‘Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.’”

David looked at what he had and felt unworthy because he was living in a house that was finer than that of the LORD. He shared his thoughts with the prophet Nathan, who replied that he should do what he felt he must, and know with certainty that the LORD was with him.

2 Samuel 12:5-7a, “Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die.
6 “He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.”
7 Nathan then said to David, “You are the man!”

There are times when we assess our possessions and compare them with those of others. At such times, we either sympathize with those who have less than we have or we question whether we have too much in comparison. There are also times when we view others as standing in the way of our possessing what we want. When we endeavor to have our way without respecting others, we transgress the LORD’s will and invite His wrath to fall upon us.

A prophet’s responsibility varies according to his assessment of the LORD’s desire. We sometimes seek a Christian friend’s thoughts. The friend is not a prophet, although his experience may be beneficial. If, however, he believes and responds contrary to our desire, we must be prepared to alter our thinking or suffer the displeasure of God.

Nathan condoned David’s thinking about building the LORD’s house; but he condemned David for plotting the death of a man in order that he might have the man’s wife. Let us be careful of how we think. Let us be careful to live according to the LORD’s directives. Let us remember that we are accountable to Him for all that we do.

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