Joe Mikolajczyk Memorial

Just a few moment's ago a very familiar Psalm was read, Psalm 23. This Psalm was one of Joe’s favorites and He requested that it be read today. This Psalm is probably one the most beloved Psalms used during this type of setting and for Good reason.

There is no Psalm that so adequately portrays that ebb and flow of life better than this ancient Poem. In life there are good times, where you can rest in the green grass near a quiet stream. These are the type of days where there is not a cloud in the sky. It seems as if nothing could go wrong. We love times like these, don’t we? But then like the close of many good days, you can look out across the horizon and begin to see a few clouds starting to form.

At first, we are optimistic that the storm won’t be that bad or last that long. But as the clouds gather it becomes evident that this storm is nothing to bat your eyes at. The Storm gathers and there is no escaping it, as the winds begin to blow and the sun is blotted you. You then begin to question does this ever have an end, will I ever enter into a time of peace and rest again.

For the Mikolajczyk Family this was indeed a long storm. Joe battled cancer for many years and mostly with optimism that he would find a way to beat it. Joe was a tremendously strong man. The Discipline he showed in exercising and long term fasting (20 + days at a time) was amazing. He did everything he could do to beat this cancer. What was his motivation? His three sons. Shortly after his diagnosis, Joe and I went camping together in the Mountains.

Those who know Joe, Know that he was anything but a sappy kind of guy, but in a few raw moments with a tear in his eye he said, I need to stay alive to make sure my boys and my wife are taken care of. As some men, do he may have struggled to express this type of deep love and concern but make no mistake. Kelly, Jacob, Cayden, and Trevor. You are the reason he fought so hard and so long.

In fact, two weeks ago he called me to talk. He told me that he had gotten most of his things in order to make it as easy as possible for his family upon his passing. He didn’t say it but I knew that he knew he was nearing the end of his fight on earth. Shortly after Joe was hospitalized for the last time and then met his savior.

So then is this how the storm ends? Did cancer win? Did death win?

Lets look at the Psalm again: How this Psalm begins and ends is very important to understand.

Psalm 23 CSB

A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.

Norice that there is no qualifier on this statment. In good times and bad times, When Christ is our good shepherd we have what we need.

Psalm 23 CSB

2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Notice that the paths that God leads us down are the right paths even in if its is through darkness. Why?

Psalm 23 CSB

4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

So when God leads us down a path that is anything less than the peaceful. When we are in the middle of a journey that could and sometimes does lead to death. The Good shepherd had not abandoned you he is right there with you. Remember in good times and in bad times, he is there giving you what you need. there is no darkness that can overtake you and leave you alone. There is no hardship that can scare away the shepherd. He will be there for you even if you cannot see it. In fact look at the next verse.

Psalm 23 CSB

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Right in the middle of a war, right the middle of the enemies territory it is Jesus himself that ministers to those beaten up by the circumstances they find themselves in.

And even if death should look like it wins, it doesn’t.

Psalm 23 CSB

6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

So then where did the Psalmist get such confidence that everything, even death would bring victory. His faith and Trust in the good shepherd, Jesus Christ.

You see In all of this Joe was concerned for you. He wanted you to know that despite everything he had gone through his faith in Jesus Christ. He asked that you be given the same opportunity that he had to hear the gospel, to be forgiven of all your sins, and be set free from the fear of death.

Many years ago, Joe had humbled himself and place his faith in Jesus Christ.

So then what does this mean.

It means that one recognizes that he/she is a sinner. That truly just God could not do anything but pronounce judgement against all sin. Because God is no respecter of persons he treats everyone the same, The penalty of sin is death for everyone. There is no deciding if one is better than the other, no God is fair and completely consistent. All sin will carry the same debt and penalty. This is why all men and women eventually die. It is evidence that God’s word is true. It explains why we die and you can clearly see death in this world.

So while God pronounced the just sentence of death on this world. In his goodness, he provided the death needed to satisfy this sentence. God sent his own Son Jesus Christ to take your place to be the death that you deserved. So God poured out his Holy Justice on Jesus Christ. So that all those who will repent of thier sin, that is turn from sin, and accept the free gift of his life that he offers. You are declared innocent, your debt is paid. The death sentence carried out through Christ. So then it is not a matter of God just sending a person to Hell. It is the person’s free choice. The problem of death and sin has been solved but the question is will you accept the solution? Will you say no, God I will pay for my sin on my own or Will you humble yourself, turn from your sin and believe the gospel and allow God’s gift of love to take your place. Then like Joe even in death you can say...

Psalm 23:6 CSB

6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

Even in death Joe was concerned for you!

At this time I will ask....(name) to come and lead us in “In Christ alone”