The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Jeremiah 50:33-37, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘The sons of Israel are oppressed, and the sons of Judah as well; and all who took them captive have held them fast, they have refused to let them go.
34 ‘Their Redeemer is strong, the LORD of hosts is His name; He will vigorously plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to the inhabitants of Babylon.
35 ‘A sword against the Chaldeans,’ declares the LORD, ‘and against the inhabitants of Babylon and against her officials and her wise men!
36 ‘A sword against the oracle priests, and they will become fools! A sword against her mighty men, and they will be shattered!
37 ‘A sword against their horses and against their chariots and against all the foreigners who are in the midst of her, and they will become women! A sword against her treasures, and they will be plundered!’”

If you’ve read world news lately, you’ve doubtlessly noticed the plethora of wars that prevail throughout the world. It was the same in ancient times, only that the ancients did not have the Internet with which to combat. Yes, our world is in a mess!

For many years, I have sought to emphasize that the tiny nation of Israel is ever and always under the LORD’s protection. The Jews are His people, but only historically so. Israel is in His care to the extent that He brought them back into their own land in A.D. 1948 –just as He had promised!

Here in verse 33 above, the LORD bewails the oppression of Israel. Despite His physical presents and His strength supporting Israel, those who took her captive refused to allow her to leave. Yet, Israel possesses a Friend, whose strength mightily exceeds that of her captors.

The hour was gloomy for Israel. There seemed to be no way out. But then, that Friend of Israel arises in supreme power, well beyond that of her captors. He raises four swords against Israel’s enemies and they are plundered!

Israel today faces enemies seemingly as insurmountable as in Jeremiah’s day. Yet, in the end, the LORD’s actions produce the cry, “Babylon has been seized!” (vs. 46). The Hand of the LORD is victorious! And so shall it be for the lives and works of Jews and Gentiles, who trust and rely on His Son whose death and resurrection promise deliverence!
Did you know that He wills you to be encompassed in that promise? He does!

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