The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Genesis 15:1-6, “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great.’
2 Abram said, ‘O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’
3 And Abram said, ‘Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.’
4 Then behold, the Word of the LORD came to him, saying, ‘This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.’
5 And He took him outside and said, ‘Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’
6 Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”

Although there are 50 chapters in the Book of Genesis, the 12TH to the end of the book cover only about 300 years, and they are largely biographical, giving us the accounts of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

One could only wish (and I am not challenging any Scriptural omission) that the opening expression of Abraham’s amazement at the innumberability of stars might have been included in the wording of Scripture! It staggers me to even think of it!

Even more amazing is the distinctive message of Genesis. It cites “the failure of man under every condition is met by the salvation of God” (Lee). More amazing still are the numerous times blessings attend the life and ministry of Abraham. He was far from a perfect man, yet the LORD used and blessed him numerous times. What an encouragement to us! We fail more than we succeed, yet the LORD is exceedingly faithful to us through His abundant provisions!

Try and remember His faithfulness the next time you try to count the stars. My guess is that you will be as surprised as Abraham. Yet, His blessings to us far surpass the number of stars!
Blessings come in abundance when we allow Christ to minister to others through us. That sure
beats merely counting stars, doesn’t it?

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