A Tribute of Honour and Appreciation

To Elder Shadrock, Moses of this generation,

For Elder Shadrock, Master Teacher of the House of Israel, whose faithful service continues to point people to THE LORD GOD of our fathers, THE GOD of Abraham, THE GOD of Isaac, and THE GOD of Jacob.

Not every teacher seeks a throne.

Not every leader seeks recognition.

Not every elder desires followers for himself.

But you, Elder Shadrock, have stood as a faithful servant,

a watchman upon the wall,

a teacher of truth,

a guide to many souls.

You have never pointed people to yourself.

Instead, you have faithfully pointed them to THE LORD GOD of our fathers,

THE GOD of Abraham,

THE GOD of Isaac,

and THE GOD of Jacob.

You have taught the people His ways.

You have instructed the people in His truth.

You have directed hearts toward His voice.

Through years of labour, sacrifice, and service,

you have given without measure.

Many have learned from your wisdom.

Many have grown from your teaching.

Many have received understanding because of your faithfulness.

Yet not everyone honoured the gift.

Some attempted to take advantage of your kindness.

Some forgot the hands that helped them stand.

Some whom you taught sought to go beyond you.

Some of whom you instructed attempted to replace you.

They tried to go over your head.

But they forgot one thing.

THE GOD OF ISRAEL was always above them.

THE GOD OF ISRAEL saw every motive.

THE GOD OF ISRAEL heard every whisper.

THE GOD OF ISRAEL knows every hidden intention.

When false accusations came, He defended you.

When lies were spoken, He preserved your name.

When others sought your downfall,

THE GOD OF ISRAEL became your shield and your strong tower.

Because your loyalty was never to yourself.

Your loyalty was to THE GOD OF ISRAEL.

You remained faithful when others became weary.

You remained steadfast when others became distracted.

You remained humble when others sought a position.

You remained committed when others sought power.

And through it all, your spirit was directed by THE GOD OF ISRAEL.

Your steps were ordered by Him.

Your wisdom was given by Him.

Your protection comes from Him.

THE GOD OF ISRAEL has covered you with His hand.

THE GOD OF ISRAEL has surrounded you with His favour.

THE GOD OF ISRAEL has preserved your life and your calling.

And He shall continue to do so.

May every weapon formed against you fail.

May every false word spoken against you fall powerless.

May every whisperer be exposed.

May every gossiper be silenced.

May every naysayer see the hand of THE GOD OF ISRAEL upon your life.

For the battle is not yours.

The battle belongs to THE GOD OF ISRAEL.

May He strengthen you in body, mind, and spirit.

May He renew your strength like the eagle.

May He establish your work for generations to come.

May He continue to bring sincere hearts into the House of Israel.

May He raise up faithful labourers who honour the wisdom He has placed within you.

May many come to know THE LORD GOD of our fathers, THE GOD of Abraham, THE GOD of Isaac, and THE GOD of Jacob through your teaching.

And when your work is remembered, may it be said:

“Here stood a faithful teacher.”

“Here stood a faithful elder.”

“Here stood a man who never pointed people to himself.”

“Here stood Elder Shadrock, Master Teacher of the House of Israel, who remained faithful through every trial and every storm.”

So be encouraged.

Keep teaching.

Keep leading.

Keep standing.

Keep serving.

Keep pointing people to THE GOD OF ISRAEL.

For THE GOD OF ISRAEL who protected you yesterday,

who protects you today,

will continue to protect you tomorrow.

His hand is upon you.

His favour is upon you.

His protection surrounds you.

No lie can overthrow what He has established.

No enemy can destroy what He has blessed.

For THE LORD GOD of our fathers, THE GOD of Abraham, THE GOD of Isaac, and THE GOD of Jacob remains your defender, your protector, and your reward.

______________________________________

A Tribute of Honour and Appreciation

Written by Veronica Hall