The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 2:21-25, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;
23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”

Immediately prior to our verses above, Simon Peter instructed his readers, including us, that we are to practice patience when we’re harshly treated by anyone. If you pause and think about it, patience is not an easy conduct, especially when the world-at-large seeks to hold us hostage to its own worldly conduct.

Yet, the LORD Jesus is our Supreme Pattern. He “committed no sin,” nor were any of his expressions ever in the least deceitful. He simply endured the pain and indignation He was dealt. How could He stand it? He simply committed Himself to the protection of His Heavenly Father. Does that not give us a hint how we, too, might respond when we’re in the wake of adverse criticism?

Jesus’ suffering went well beyond anything we will ever encounter! His most ignominious treatment came from the lips of His own people, the Jews, and from the hands of the Romans. Think of it: the One who did no sin paid for the sins of those who did nothing righteous. Still, those Jewish believers to whom Peter spoke through the passage above, were “returned to the Shepherd and Guardian” of their souls.” How did that come about?

They believed and trusted Jesus as their Savior. That can occur in your life! Simply ask His forgiveness for your sins, and truly trust Him for forgiveness. He will become your LORD and Savior. He will shepherd and guard your souls, just as He has with others. Trust Him! He will not fail 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