09/21/2025
This morning we held a memorial service.
The service began with this scripture from Romans 13:7 - Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Render (yield) therefore to all their dues --- this speaks of
(Obligations, duty, and debt)
Yielding tribute --- speaks of land tax.
Yielding custom --- speaks of taxes on merchandise.
Yielding fear --- speaks of reverence for superiors.
Yielding honour --- speaks of the respect due to persons of distinction.
We have gathered here today to commemorate the life of an extraordinary young man who was cut down in the prime of his life. We cannot help to think what great good that he could have done if this tragedy had not occurred.
To those who knew him, he became a special friend; a trusted servant. He was very smart having a keen intellect even though he never had but a little formal education.
His conversations with leading religious leaders, students, teachers were attached to biblical truth. God's WORD was held high, above all other sources of knowledge.
He stood upon the truths that his nation was founded upon. Certain truths, such as,"all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; life , liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
He believed that it was God, who had given to us this firm foundation.
He caused people to see things in a different light as it were. As our Bible says,"to shine a light in a dark place."
He saw how his nation had become weak, because the principles on which it had been built were being torn down by people that held political and religious power.
We use the term, "speaking truth to power," meaning to stand up and speak out against those in authority in order to bring about change. This young man did this with a fearlessness and courage that very few people possess. He spoke out when he perceived that their stand on an issue as wrong. His words brought new insights to the discussion.
As we commemorate this young man, the question arises in our mind as to what was his motivation? What inspired him? Careful thought reveals that it was his love for his fellow man. His concern for their lives, and the direction his nation had taken.
Many things can motivate men; wealth, power, position, but it is love that is the greatest motivator!
Can we say that this young man was a great man? If so why was he great?
Great men, are men who stand for right, truth, and virtue. They're always counting the cost. They understand that they will be attacked. If not physically, certainly verbally. They will be labeled, "haters," because they confront that which is immoral or wicked.
Great men don't fold under pressure. They stand! They fight! They endure! Nothing will turn them from their task. They are determined and committed to the cause.
Now when men, such as these rise up, you will find that there will also arise those who are against them. Some will become fierce adversaries. Some will plot to kill these great men, saying,"his voice has to be silenced!"
That is exactly what happened to the young man we are honoring here today. Because these adversaries could not bear the words of truth spoken, they sought to murder him. And they were successful. But his words still speak, they still stand and they will forever endure!
Today we remember and mourn the death of this young man, only in his thirties.
May we never forget his life, his words and the truths he has given us! May we honor him, by following his example!
I can only hope that what this young man has stood for and what he has done will not slip from our memory.
The young man that I have spoken about is JESUS CHRIST!
Now let us turn to a portion of Scripture;
1st CORINTHIANS 11:23 - 26 -"For I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you, that the LORD JESUS the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said," take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you: THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, "this cup is the new testament in my blood: This do yet as often as yet drink it, IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME." For as often as yet eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do shew the LORD'S death till he come.
Now JOHN 10:11 - 17 - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd given his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the Wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: the Wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hire ling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. THEREFORE DOTH MY FATHER LOVE ME, BECAUSE I LAY DOWN MY LIFE, THAT I MIGHT TAKE IT AGAIN. NO MAN TAKETH IT FROM ME, BUT I LAY IT DOWN OF MYSELF. I HAVE POWER TO LAY IT DOWN, AND I HAVE POWER TO TAKE IT AGAIN. THIS COMMANDMENT HAVE I RECEIVED OF MY FATHER.
This is why we remember and honor Jesus Christ, because no greater love hath a man than this; that he would lay down his life for his friends!!
