The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Genesis 2:4-8, “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made earth and heaven.
5 Now no shrub of the field was yet in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground.
6 But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground.
7 Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
8 The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed.”

It’s not always good to be first in anything. Every subsequent eye watches eagerly:
some, praying that you will succeed, some, hoping you will not.

In this instance, however, no “guess work” was involved. Adam, the first man, faces the
daunting responsibility of caring for the garden into which the LORD has placed him.
Precisely what Adam thought of his newly acquired responsibilities, we’re not told –at least, not right away.

In some (perhaps, many) respects, Adam had an edge on all that would follow him. He could make mistakes (we’re not informed of any!) without any criticism. The LORD had
created Adam with a responsibility. Were he to attend to his responsibility, he would have no opportunity to complain; nor did he have anyone except the LORD to listen to any complaints.

There’s a good lesson right there for us. When we first come into this world, all responsibilities fall to our parents. As we mature, we learn to accept the responsibility
contained in work. Ultimately, we see the product of our work, and the LORD receives praise for His enabling.

What is the LORD’s structure for your work? How much have you accomplished?
Just as a coach reminds his players, so the LORD reminds us of His plan. He first wants us to submit to Him. He alone can save us and provide us a home in Heaven.

Once we’ve committed our lives to Him and received the New Birth, He provides for
us the responsibility of sharing His Good News throughout the world.

Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling,
Work ‘mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter,
Work in the glowing sun;
Work for the night is coming,
When man’s work is done.”

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

Gene
(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