The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Samuel 18:5-9, “So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

6 And it happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments.

7 And the women sang as they played, and said, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’

8 Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?’

9 And Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on.”

It’s hard sometimes to see some people prosper and receive great applause while others (others meaning you) are pushed to the rear and discounted altogether!

Every orchestra has multiple instruments. Those who occupy the “first chair” in each section are the ones who demonstrate superiority in playing a particular instrument. At the conclusion of a selected musical number, the director often calls upon those who played solos to stand in recognition of their exceptional performance.

There were vast musical expressions in King Saul’s day; however, it was young David who demonstrated exceptional bravery; Saul was not even present for the battle! Yet, when Israel returned victoriously, the greater praise went to David instead of to Saul. This weighed quite heavily upon Saul. He was jealous beyond belief!

We need to be careful here. None of us possesses talent superior to others. Some time ago, I attended a local orchestral concert. Two musicians were featured with the orchestra. When the piece was completed and the applause had died down, one of the two featured musicians humbly sneaked into the second violin section to play with them in yet another featured number. It was indeed an act of humility.

Saul could have learned a good lesson from that violinist! So can we! Don’t look to be noted; just look to see where you can help. Your applause will come later, much later!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom