The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Chronicles 9:1-5, “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was carried away into exile to Babylon for their unfaithfulness.
2 Now the first who lived in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites and the temple servants.
3 Some of the sons of Judah, of the sons of Benjamin and of the sons of Ephraim and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem:
4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, from the sons of Perez the son of Judah.
5 From the Shilonites were Asaiah the firstborn and his sons.”

Are you still there? Don’t stop reading! Admitedly, these verses do not convey the warmth and interest of many previous Grands Letters, but they are important. Why? you ask. Well, they’re important for several reasons.

First, the Chronicles (both 1st and 2nd) give us an accounting of the Israelite people. Subsequent books of the Old Testament will fill us in on more information, but First Chronicles (somewhat like First Kings) sets the stage for the Nation of Israel.

Here in First Chronicles we learn that Judah was exiled for her unfaithfulness. If you have previously believed that those who were the LORD’s people were godly, you were naïve in your thinking. As we Christians are too often unlike the Christ we claim to follow, so were the Judeans.

This book also gives us insight into some of the work for which they were responsible in ancient times. Some were priests, others Levites, or temple servants. Many others –by their titles– demonstrated their various responsibilities.

How does all of this relate to us? Well, we have pastors, deacons, teachers, et al, who have responsibilites within our churches; and those responsibilities are an outgrowth of what was required in early Biblical times.

Let me ask a few personal questions. What responsibility do you have in your church? Are you dependable? Do you prayerfully attend to your assignments?Are you on time for what is required of you? Do you attend to your duties in the church in a cheerful manner?

If the Chronicles of, say, “Christian Duties” were written of you, would the LORD be pleased with your work and your conduct? And, perchance you have no current responsibilities, do you lovingly offer to assist those who seem to be “swamped” with theirs?

Rest assurred that the LORD never lays upon us more than we can bear. He is training us that we might train others in His service. Just be joyful and thankful for the opportunities He has given us; and praise Him always in the process.

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