Dearly Beloved, please bare with me as I tell you a story of courage...
Today, I and many others were given an incredible example of courage. There was no knight in shining armor, no soldier with the medal of honor around his neck, no earthly foe that had been vanquished. There weren't thousands of people waiting to welcome home a hero. The President was not waiting to congratulate a veteran. No, the courage I have seen today is altogether different. No earthly battle had been fought, no earthly victory had been won. Rather, it was a spiritual battle that was fought, and it was an eternal victory that was won.
Now, whereas there was no multitude of people, no welcoming parade, there was an innumerable number of angels welcoming home a conquering warrior. There was a tender father ushering His servant into His rest.
Today, a young man scarcely thirteen years of age, went home to be with the Lord. Over the past year, I have witnessed this young man look at death in the face and stand immovable. He could boldly look at death and proclaim, "Oh death where is your sting; oh grave, where is your victory." He could lift his eyes to Heaven and utter, "I know that if this earthly tabernacle be destroyed, I have a building not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." He could proudly proclaim, "I know in whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." This young man met death, he crossed the Jordan, he took His final journey and now He sits whole in the presence of the Lord. This is courage.
This young man died of a very progressive form of brain cancer. At the time of diagnosis, he was given six months to live. However, He lived approximately four months beyond the deadline. He brought cheer and happiness to all who knew him. And whereas he lost most bodily function before death due to the cancer, this young man is now whole, complete, and perfect in the presence of his Lord.
Take heed, brethren. Take heed. We all fade as the grass. It is appointed for everyone to die. We have been given an example of courage today. Let this serve as a wake up call to redeem the time we have been given.
Furthermore, I want to ask you: Are you living life for God or for you? Will you hear the words: "Well done good and faithful servant?" Are you living courageously? Are you fighting the fight? Brethren, "Lay aside the sin that doth so easily besets you and run with patience the race that is set before you."
This young man, fought and won. He ran and finished his course. He courageously met death. He followed after the Lord Jesus Christ that conquered death for us. Take heart. Take heart! He has now joined the cloud of witnesses pointing you to Heaven. Run the race.
Today, I and many others were given an incredible example of courage. There was no knight in shining armor, no soldier with the medal of honor around his neck, no earthly foe that had been vanquished. There weren't thousands of people waiting to welcome home a hero. The President was not waiting to congratulate a veteran. No, the courage I have seen today is altogether different. No earthly battle had been fought, no earthly victory had been won. Rather, it was a spiritual battle that was fought, and it was an eternal victory that was won.
Now, whereas there was no multitude of people, no welcoming parade, there was an innumerable number of angels welcoming home a conquering warrior. There was a tender father ushering His servant into His rest.
Today, a young man scarcely thirteen years of age, went home to be with the Lord. Over the past year, I have witnessed this young man look at death in the face and stand immovable. He could boldly look at death and proclaim, "Oh death where is your sting; oh grave, where is your victory." He could lift his eyes to Heaven and utter, "I know that if this earthly tabernacle be destroyed, I have a building not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." He could proudly proclaim, "I know in whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." This young man met death, he crossed the Jordan, he took His final journey and now He sits whole in the presence of the Lord. This is courage.
This young man died of a very progressive form of brain cancer. At the time of diagnosis, he was given six months to live. However, He lived approximately four months beyond the deadline. He brought cheer and happiness to all who knew him. And whereas he lost most bodily function before death due to the cancer, this young man is now whole, complete, and perfect in the presence of his Lord.
Take heed, brethren. Take heed. We all fade as the grass. It is appointed for everyone to die. We have been given an example of courage today. Let this serve as a wake up call to redeem the time we have been given.
Furthermore, I want to ask you: Are you living life for God or for you? Will you hear the words: "Well done good and faithful servant?" Are you living courageously? Are you fighting the fight? Brethren, "Lay aside the sin that doth so easily besets you and run with patience the race that is set before you."
This young man, fought and won. He ran and finished his course. He courageously met death. He followed after the Lord Jesus Christ that conquered death for us. Take heart. Take heart! He has now joined the cloud of witnesses pointing you to Heaven. Run the race.
Michael Moede
Passed Away at thirteen years of age,
January 26,
In the year of our Lord,
2012
What is courage my dear lad
But having the strength to stand
What is courage but to have
An unwavering hand.
Courage proudly looks at death
And does not affright
Courage gladly gives up breath
And does not take flight.
Soli Deo Gloria
Those are very true words. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Michael in person, I was given a few glimpses into his life. His mighty faith and enduring courage were both very evident, and they continue to be great sources of encouragement to me.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord for Michael's shining example! I look forward to meeting him one day.