The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Samuel 9:3-8, “Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to his son Saul, ‘Take now with you one of the servants, and arise, go search for the donkeys.’
4 And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.
5 When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, ‘Come, and let us return, lest my father cease to be concerned about the donkeys and become anxious for us.’
6 And he (the servant) said to him, ‘Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor; all that he says surely comes true. Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out.’
7 Then Saul said to his servant, ‘But behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? For the bread is gone from our sack and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?’
8 And the servant answered Saul again and said, ‘Behold, I have in my hand a fourth of a shekel of silver; I will give it to the man of God and he will tell us our way.’”

There are a number of things that seem never to change. One is losing something. Another thing that never changes is our searching for the item that is lost, but without success. Finally, there is sound reasoning that ultimately brings success.

Still, the bigger question is: Why does it take us so long to come to the correct conclusion? Saul and his servant searched for the lost donkeys in five separate areas owned by neighbors, but without success. Then, they were reminded to check with the seer, the servant of God, who lived nearby.

Before we come down too hard on Saul and his servant, it would do us well to think of how we handle tough situations. Do we personally search for what has been lost? Do we not often waste considerable time consulting others before we pray and seek the LORD’s capable assistance? “We’ve done everything we can; I guess we’d better pray.” How weak is that?

Ultimately, Saul and his servant found the lost donkeys. More importantly, however, the seer, whom they learned was Samuel, had himself heard the LORD’s Voice saying, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall rule over My people” (1 Sam. 9:17).

The LORD always possesses the answers we seek! Why do we seek answers elsewhere? How long has it been since you relied totally upon the LORD? You may just discover that He has been waiting upon you to seek Him out in prayer.

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