Elias Michael Kosiorek was born on February 19, 2016. Elias is the Latin transliteration of the Greek name Ἠλίας, which is the Hellenized form of the Hebrew: אליהו, Eliyahu, meaning "Yahweh is my God".
Elias Michael Kosiorek was borne to heaven on August 27, 2016. In keeping with the meaning of Elias' name, the following verse appeared on the front of his memorial service program: "The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27). Elias' parents, Josh and Courtney (my niece), asked me to deliver the closing prayer at his memorial service. I felt incredibly humbled and honored to do so.
I had much in my heart that I wanted to say, but I found it impossible to express in words. The Lord repeatedly brought to my mind the opening portion of Psalm 8, and from there the words spilled out. They are woefully inadequate, which is why I'm thankful that "the Spirit helps in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words" (Romans 8:26). In the end, here is what I prayed at the close of the service:
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babies and infants you have established strength,
Silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.
- Psalm 8:1,2
Lord, as we think of little Eli and his brief life here on earth, we see the awesome truth of this psalm on display. This precious baby, who was as weak and vulnerable and helpless as a baby can be, displayed the greatness of your power in ways that leave us amazed, humbled, and awed at the wonder of your grace. We think of . . .
- The thousands of Christians all over the world who became united in prayer for Eli, Josh and Courtney.
- The sanctifying work you have done at an accelerated rate in the lives of Josh and Courtney. Here is a couple who come from solid Christian homes and already had a close walk with you and with one another. Yet we have seen their genuineness of their faith proven and strengthened through this trial you have ordained for them.
- We have been blessed by the comfort and encouragement that you have provided through the body of Christ – specifically the congregation here at Grace Baptist Church.
- We have witnessed the care and capabilities of the medical team who attended to Eli’s needs before/during/after his birth. At the same time we have witnessed the limitations of modern medicine. Our times are in your hands. Christ Jesus alone has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
We thank you, Lord, that this is not the end of Eli’s story. "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." O Lord, we look forward to that grand reunion, when we will be “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” O Lord, may we "encourage one another with these words.” May we also be reminded that our own lives our a vapor. – that only one life will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last. Therefore, help us Lord to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord [our] labor is never in vain" (1 Cor. 15:58).
