The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 2:29-36, “Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
30 “And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE,
31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY.
32 “This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.
33 “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.
34 “For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,
35 UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET.”‘
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ– this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Identification of the dead today is most easily determined by the name and date on the cemetery gravestone. It is not that easy, however, when hundreds or even thousands of years have intervened. Yet, this was not difficult in Peter’s day. When Peter stood before those who had heard the noise that accompanied Pentecost, there were no doubts as to the whereabouts of David’s tomb. Thus, Peter could confidently say that Daivd was buried, and that his tomb was with them on that very day.

His contention regarding Jesus, however, was quite different. Jesus’ tomb was empty. Both David and Jesus had literally died, but while David’s tomb retained his body, Christ’s tomb was empty, for Jesus had risen from the dead. He was, then and there, seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Therefore, Israel should take notice that they had put-to-death the very Son of Almighty God.

The precursor to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection is depicted in the near offering of Isaac by his father, Abraham. With that account, Peter’s audience was well-acquainted. The difference is that Jesus literally died, but was raised from the dead three Jewish days later. Yet, His death and resurrection were not for the Jews alone. They avail for all who will by faith trust Him as LORD and Savior of their lives. Have you trusted Him? “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).

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