The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Mark 13:5-11, “And Jesus began to say to them, ‘See to it that no one misleads you.
6 ‘Many will come in My name, saying, “I am He!” and will mislead many.
7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end.
8 “For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
9 “But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.
10 “The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
11 “When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.”

There is nothing quite like war. When the Civil War was being fought, some people would ride to the edge of the battle and watched men shooting and killing each other. Later, during World War I, people depended upon photographs in newspapers and news reels to depict the rage of battles. World War II found families gathered around the living room radio to hear and assess what was happening. Today, however, in the era of instant television, we are enabled to see the action as it occurs in real time!

Have you never wondered what those in Jesus’ audience thought when they heard the words He uttered in the verses above? Jesus’ words were always vital; but what were
His hearers to think when He said they would “hear of wars and rumors of wars”? My
guess is that they felt about like what the Israelis and Palestinians do today. How far
will this war spread? How long will it last? How many casualties will there be on both
sides? (This covers verses 5 to 7.)

The remainder of His warning more largely covers those not directly participating in
battles. Although not in warfare battles, they will, nevertheless, be subject to battles of their own. Fear of multiple accusations will be theirs, for they will be dragged into courts, and physically flogged and belittled for what they believe and what they’re doing. People they thought were their friends, they now view as their arch enemies.

What are they (we) to do in such a time? What are we to say? Jesus said, “…say
whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.”
That being said, we had 1) better know Who the Holy Spirit is, and 2) just keep quiet,
and allow the Spirit to do the talking through us!

Inasmuch as we have no sure knowledge when that time will come for us, we might
do well to commence allowing the Holy Spirit to direct our lives right now! Surely, we
have those around us now who could prosper from some kindness and love!

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