The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 11:32-40, “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection;

36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.

37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated

38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,

40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.”

Have you ever been overlooked, omitted, bypassed, or in any way mistreated by others? Probably you have, but not that anyone could observe, after reading the passage above. You may be exceedingly popular, cheering for the home team when they’re playing at home; but try cheering for them when they’re playing on a rival’s home court or field. It’s not the same!

Christians live in a fallen, sinful world. It’s not popular to cheer for Jesus in their world! He’s an offense to them! They think they’re the greatest. Jesus’ very presence says they’re not! They’re angry that He came! They’re furious! That His character, His reputation, His very demeanor, is permitted in their realm is offensive! The world will not allow that Jesus is the Creator, the Instructor, their would-be Savior! Yet He is to all who will believe Him.

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