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Matthew 16:13-17
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, a the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
Audrey, Bill, Mike, Family and friends, Peace and mercy be with you at this time.
As I prepared for this message, I was trying to come up with an appropriate passage that would fit Oskar’s personality and life. However what I came up with was not one passage, but rather a person from the New Testament that reminds me of Oskar. Peter exhibits some of the same characteristics in his life as did Oskar in His.
Peter was a decisive person. When he made up his mind he went after things 100%. “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men…immediately he left his boat and followed.” When Jesus was walking on water, “Peter said, let me try” (kind of like the time he bought the motorcycle without ever having ridden one. Peter was very patriotic, he wanted a free Jewish nation without the burden of Roman rule. Peter was willing to fight for what he believed in. (cut off Malcus’ ear) Peter often spoke his mind, even if it was not popular. Peter was also a sinner; “I don’t know the man.” At the same time he was a man of great faith. “You are the Christ the Son of the living God.”
Oskar was in many ways like Peter. He was a decisive person. He never did anything half-___ (way). Like with the Corvette and his self taught computer skills. Oskar was a patriot for his adopted homeland. Leaving Romania, he insisted on learning English and speaking it properly he served this country in the Army, which allowed him to meet Audrey. He was almost obsessed with the Fox news and keeping up with the war effort. Oskar was someone who would tell you what he thought. He was also the first to recognize that he was a sinner in need of saving. He confessed, like Peter, his faith in Christ the Son of the living God in his confirmation, when he received the Body and Blood, and finally, to me the last time we spoke last Friday.
Oskar’s faith allowed him to be comforted by the words of Isaiah the Prophet, “10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “
As we to can find a reason for hope even in this difficult time. As described in 1 Cor. 15
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[1]The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Is 41:10). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
