The Grands Letter (Jer/GLJ)
Dear Grands,
Jeremiah 6:11-17, “But I am full of the wrath of the LORD; I am weary with holding it in. ‘Pour it out on the children in the street and on the gathering of young men together; for both husband and wife shall be taken, the aged and the very old.
12 “Their houses shall be turned over to others, their fields and their wives together; for I will stretch out My hand against the inhabitants of the land,” declares the LORD.
13 “For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain, and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely.
14 “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace.”
15 “Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush. Therefore, they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down,” says the LORD.
16 Thus says the LORD, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
17 “And I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’”
In Ecclesiastes (1:9), Solomon writes: “That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun.” Reference with that Matthew 24:21, which says, “…there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.”
It was quite an impressive gathering of world leaders, meeting in Jerusalem to celebrate the release of the Israeli hostages from the grip of Hamas terrorists. Yet, while the free world cheers the release, the Word of the LORD (noted above) gives little hope for lasting change for peace in the Middle East.
Throughout history, numerous attempts have been made for reconciliations; yet, they have often been overshadowed by persistent conflict and unrest. Despite diplomatic efforts and moments of celebration, deeper issues remain unresolved, echoing the ancient warnings and observations found in Scripture. This reminds us that true and lasting peace cannot be achieved solely through human endeavors, but requires a transformation of human hearts that comes from seeking the ways of the Lord. Let us earnestly pray for true and lasting peace in our world, and in our time.
Heartily in Christ,
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
United States of America
“We will never know that Christ is all we need
Until He becomes all that we have.” — Corrie ten Boom