Thought for the Week
A VERY SPECIAL
DETECTIVE
By David Jebson, originally
published 27th January 2003
Stephen Oake, a detective constable
working with the special branch was murdered whilst in the act of
protecting us all from terrorism.
Stephen and his wife Lesley were deeply
in love with each other and this love was infinitely enhanced because they
both loved the Lord Jesus Christ who died to save them from the power of
sin and the terror of death. One Sunday just before Christmas they were
both up-front in their church getting across the ‘Good tidings of
great joy’ to the children. After talking about boring presents like
socks and hankies, Lesley said to Stephen, “I’m going to pull out all
the stops and give you the greatest present in the world!” Taking a
box off the Christmas tree she gave it to Stephen. He opened it and held
up the sheet of paper that was inside upon which was written the name,
‘JESUS’!
Stephen knew the joy of the risen and
living Lord Jesus in his heart. He was full of fun and quite a tease, but
His greatest desire was to do the will of God. He was a good preacher and
often used his trumpet to lead the singing in church. Everyone knew that
when he asked, “How are you?” he meant it and if he could help
with a DIY job in their home he was right there!
As a policeman Stephen combined
toughness with gentleness. For him meekness was not weakness but rather
passions under God’s control. He was a man of great integrity like his
father Robin, one time chief constable of the Isle of Man, who said that
on the day of Stephen’s death his morning Bible reading was
[Psalm 46] which begins, “God is our refuge and
strength a very present help in trouble.” None of us know when our
last day will come. Stephen had found a safe refuge in Christ - have you?
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