An Ode to a soldier
Heaven rejoices when a soul is won, the angels are glad, and there is great celebration. When I think of your impact on the kingdom, I cannot help but imagine how much joy and rejoicing you have brought to the heart of God the Father. That is the beginning of the many triumphs and victories that characterize this great soldier.
It is a faithful and trustworthy saying that whoever holds the office of a spiritual leader has chosen a most noble endeavour. In accordance with the Christian criteria, you, sir, have lived a life above reproach. You did not hide behind masks of perfection, but you showed it was possible to be well-thought of by everyone who comes around us. You were faithful maritally, and I can count on my fingers the human examples of love like the one that you showed in your marriage. You showed us that it was possible to love to the end. You were cool and collected; it was always a proud moment to be seen around you because your aura was one that commanded order and respect. You were never arrogant, irrespective of the exalted position God raised you to; you had all your children around your table, both biologically and spiritually. You were so hospitable and accessible, available to be called on for help.
Oh, wise grandpa, the wisdom of God was evident in your life. Your teaching ministry was an extraordinary blessing to the body of Christ. You were a spiritual shepherd to the flock God gave you; you fed us well, corrected, comforted, edified, and exhorted us as a well-rounded prophet was expected to be.
What a gentle, prudent, and content example you were to us. Reading stories of your humble beginnings and how you laboured with genuineness of heart for the charity of many. When people were watching and nobody was, they taught us a lesson that no amount of money would ever afford.
All this and more characterize the accolades that made you the joy and rejoicing of your family—biological first, because you first showed the love of Christ to us before you even had your first church member, and spiritually next, because your love walk knew no limits. Your extended hand of love was experienced by both relatives and strangers.
Rest on, great soldier. Not all heroes wear capes, they fondly say, but I know you had one. One where you covered and carried all the lives you touched physically, emotionally, and spiritually, one with which you touched lives around the world across where we could imagine.
In conclusion, 1 Tim 3:13 says that those who have served well deserve a high standing, a good reputation, and great confidence in the faith they have preached.
You have served well, Daddy. We could cry because we will miss you, but we are most grateful that we could experience and live these short moments of life with you.
The great saying goes that the legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.
Rest on, Daddy, till we meet again at the Saviour’s feet. Shalom.