The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 2:7-13, “Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,
9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the Word of God is not
imprisoned.
10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
11 It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

Have you ever tried to understand something that simply defied your efforts? Already, I can hear you say, “How many times? Multiple times! Why can’t I figure it out?” My dear, sweet old grandmother used to say, “They just haven’t reckoned with the LORD.” She was right. Paul himself said, “The LORD will give you understanding in everything…The Word of God is not imprisoned!”

Paul understood that the Word of God was always free! The LORD’s messengers could be imprisoned; but no one could imprison the Word itself! Think of that the next time you share the LORD Jesus Christ with someone. In some countries, those who dare to share Him with others encounter horendous persecution…some, even death. Yet, the words that believers shared could not be locked away from the minds of those who heard it.

Then Paul lays it all out so that none of us can miss his point. Hear it again:

“…if we died with Him (if we are saved through His death on the Cross),
we will also live with Him (own Him on Earth as well as in Heaven);
If we endure (put up with opposition that comes from sharing Him with
others), we will also reign with Him (one day in Heaven itself);
If we deny Him, (we are not saved; thus, He also will deny us: “I never
knew you”); if we are faithless, still, He will remain faithful, for He
cannot deny Himself (He does always the will of His Father).”

Where are you in all of this? Do you know Him as LORD and Savior of your life?
You can, you know. It’s as simple as drinking water from a fountain. You’re
thirsty… the water is available… you drink from the fountain because you believe
in its refreshing qualities. Repent of your sin; trust Jesus. He is worthy of your trust
and wants you to be on His side. Then share Him with others! He will take it from
there.

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