The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 1:1-5, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen
2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Nothing is quite so amazing as the transformation of an individual. What we read of Simon Peter in the Gospels is quite different from what we read of him in his own letters! In his earlier years, he was impetuous, courageous, restless, buoyant, and ambitious. Here toward the end of his life, and recorded in the first of his two letters, we find him patient, restful, forbearing, trustful, loving, courageous and spiritually pure.

Peter’s transformation is surely what the LORD desires for each of us. Not to compare myself with this great apostle, but I was certainly more aggressive in my earlier years than I am now. I was then quick to challenge error in anyone; now, I more closely assess things and often leave challenges to younger companions.

In all, however, we can rejoice in our association with Peter as he praises our LORD Jesus Christ for the “imperishable and undefiled” reservation the LORD has obtained for us in eternity through His monumental sacrifice on the cross. Of this, we need never be reserved.

Only this week, I listened to a man speak of how well-treated he had been by the company he once served. When the opportunity presented itself (i.e., when he drew a breath!), I asked him where he went to church. He mumbled the church’s name and quickly bolted for the door! In younger years, I would have followed him to his car. What we have in Christ Jesus is certainly worth sharing. Moreover, our sharing the only way some will ever hear. May Peter’s courage and swiftness ever and always be ours!

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