 A Eulogy
The term “eulogy” is taken from the Greek language and it literally means a “good word.” We use it to refer most often to the complimentary address given at a funeral or memorial service. If we are honest some of these speeches are embellished out of respect for the loved ones of the deceased person. Today’s post is going to be a little different than usual. I am writing this article on Wednesday August 7th. Today, I found out that a dear saint had passed away and I would like to express some thoughts about this dear brother and praise to our glorious God. This brother who has gone to be with the Lord is David Miller. That is a fairly common name. I know of at least a couple of other David Millers, but no one is like this man. He was not at all common. Through many hardships and amazing blessings he had learned the peaceful contentment taught by the Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:4-13), the unspeakable joy expressed by the Apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:8-9), the abiding love recorded for us by the Apostle John (1 John 4:7-21), and most of all, the glorious salvation given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16)! So, I just want to share some of the things that come to my mind when I think about Brother David. Masculinity It is amazing that a man with the physical limitations that afflicted his body would exude such a quality of manhood. But you see, Bro. David’s masculinity was not the shallow show attained in the gym but rather that which is gained from much time spent with man’s maker and in submission to the God/man Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5-6). While he did not have the strength in his joints and muscles that most other men possess, he had far more boldness and strength in his convictions than most other men. When I speak of Bro. David’s boldness, it is not only his courage to speak a fitting and appropriate word of correction, rebuke, or just obvious truth, but also the fact that people would receive it. Something about the way that God had formed his character, and that the Holy Spirit had gifted his presence, seemed to make people more willing to listen. His bold preaching was a thing of beauty and a blessing to all who heard him. Endurance Bro. David was committed to the ministry given to him by Christ. In worldly terms it would have made sense for him to quit his work long ago because of the physical hardship and pain that he endured for decades. However, he did not quit, but endeavored to be used according to the Lord’s will. He did not take the easy way or the popular road (Matthew 7:13-14). Common Sense I started to title this paragraph “intelligence,” but I know the country preacher at large would prefer common sense. Bro. David was a diligent student of the scriptures with a great ability to communicate the truth. He would not dumb down the text but he would bring even the simplest of listeners up to the text to help them see and understand the truths of Scripture. He was willing to use what he referred to as those “trisyllabic words” but he was also able to help everyone in the congregation grasp the meaning and importance of those words. Faithful Bro. David was faithful. During one of the hardest times in my life when I was learning and growing a great deal but with difficulty, I went to an associational meeting at Immanuel Baptist church in Clinton, AR. That night Bro. David preached the greatest message I have ever heard on the doctrine of justification. It confirmed many of the things that the Lord was teaching me and truly changed my life and my ministry forever. I will forever be grateful to the Lord for the gracious and godly impact that Bro. David had on my life. If you never heard Bro. David expound the Scripture you can hear a message here.
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