The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 126:1-6, “When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream.

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’

3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.

4 Restore our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

6 He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

This psalm was delightfully voiced by those affiliated with the winning side! Of course, all “wins” come from His divine hand! It’s just that not everyone affiliated with the winning side knows it. In a true sense, when the LORD gives a victory, everyone who embraces Him is victorious! It’s so much fun to win!

All of this reminds me of Mexico. There are some great people there, and they like to have fun. On one occasion, I was riding in the back seat of a car with some young Mexican believers. People were walking on the sides of the street, so we would hand out leaflets for our nightly meeting, saying, Para ti, meaning “for you.” The car never stopped; we just handed them the leaflets and kept going.

This is silly, I thought, just saying Para ti. I know more Spanish than that. So, I added a phrase, making it say, Para ti, y sus mamás y papás! My Mexican friends howled with laughter! I fought to defend my Spanish, but they would have none of it. They just roared! I finally asked why they were laughing. It was then that they told me: everything I had said was correct except that last word; and it was only the accent that was wrong. I was saying, “…for your mothers and potatoes!”

I told the experience to the audience that night. They roared with laughter as well.

Notwithstanding the fun we all had that night, I learned that I had to be accurate. Especially is that so when dealing with the LORD’s Word! Those who were filled with laughter were overjoyed at the LORD’s victory! They claimed nothing for themselves – only the LORD was to be praised! So it must be with us today. Are we giving Him the praise due Him? He alone is to be praised!

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