The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Ecclesiastes 5:6, “Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands?”

The firstborn, in fact, was Esau. Everything else, including the spirit of the LETTER, was correct.

The error came to my attention first from a friendly accountant, who attends one of the Small Groups the church we both attend. The second to call my attention to the error is a long-time “critic-friend,” who, no doubt would love for me to mention his name. Yet, I am limiting my mistakes today.

Thank you for your kind comments on the LETTER. I might only add that the “GRANDS” originally
referred to my Grand-and Great-grandchildren, of whom there are 13. Currently, the GRANDS
LETTER reaches numerous countries and includes missionaries, former students, military personnel, pastors and teachers at various levels in the educational system. (Keeps me on my toes most of the time!). God bless you for your faithfulness to Him!

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

Dear Grands,

Obadiah 1:15-17, “For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done,
it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head.
16 “Because just as you drank on My holy mountain, all the nations will drink continually. They
will drink and swallow and become as if they had never existed.
17 “But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape, and it will be holy. And the house of
Jacob will possess their possessions.”

If you’ve read the Old Testament, you will undoubtedly have read the Book of Obadiah. It’s the smallest of the Old Testament books and reminds us historically of the conflict between Jacob
and Esau back in the Book of Genesis. The birthright from Isaac was to have gone to the eldest son, Jacob. But, Esau, grasped the opportunity to fool his father, Isaac, into thinking he was
Jacob.

Thus, Esau became a schemer, a thief! And the nation he fathered pestered the nation of Israel.

The descendants of Easu were known as Edomites; the descendants of Jacob were known as Israelites. In the Book of Obadiah, the LORD pledges that those who have defrauded others will
suffer at the hand of the LORD.

There is a saying that fits Esau and the Edomites: “You can’t do wrong and get by!” Furthermore, that is as true of nations as it is of individuals everywhere. There is a not-so-subtle message here
to us, too. We are to stand with Israel! Historically, they are the LORD’s “chosen people.” We may
not agree with everything Israel does in today’s world. We surely don’t agree with everything our leaders do, either. But, Israel is the LORD’s chosen people, and He is certain to “bring down”
those who go against His own.

Pray earnestly for Israel. Many Jews have turned in faith to Jesus Christ! He is and will be glorified in His people. And as we stand with them, He is glorified in us, too.

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