The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 1:15-19, “At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said,
16 ‘Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.
17 ‘For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.’
18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.
19 And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, “Field of Blood”.

It doesn’t seem to matter whether it’s a formal occasion or just a casual group of long-time friends, there is always someone who takes charge of the gathering. Have you not noticed that? On this occasion, it was Simon Peter who single-handedly took charge of the group of about 120.

If there were any in the group who might have objected to Peter’s leadership, they held their peace when he mentioned the Scripture and the Holy Spirit. The Scripture needed confirmation of fulfillment, as the Holy Spirit foretold of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus. It is found as far back as David in Old Testament times, when he said: “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against Me” (Psa. 41:9).

Judas Iscariot is the one intentioned in that Psalm. He shared in the LORD’s ministry. He was trusted by the group in that he carried their money. Interestingly enough, Judas then betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders for 30 pieces of their silver, the price of a slave. Still his conscience bothered him so, that he returned the silver, casting it on the floor of the temple. In the end, what Judas had done so preyed upon him that he ended his own life by his own hand.

“The Field of Blood,” mentioned in our verses was the ground the Jewish priests purchased for a burial site for the poor. What a sad ending to one who had been privileged to walk and learn from Jesus Himself. We are so privileged to live and learn of Him. Yet, along with privilege comes responsibility. Those of us who have trusted Him and been born of the Spirit are responsible to love others and share Him with them. Those who have yet to trust Him should recognize the privilege they have of trusting Him as LORD and Savior, too.

As we move into the CHRISTmas Season, we have greater opportunity to trust Him and share Him. May He always be glorified as He occupies our lives and fills us with His LOVE everlasting!

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