Daniel 1-3; Proverbs 17:15-28

Monday's Bible Reading: Daniel 1-3; Proverbs 17:15-28

When I read Daniel, I think of my friend and college classmate Luke Wilson, who humbly did the will of God and trusted God for the outcome.



Today I attended Luke's funeral.

Luke was my first editor. I was a "reporter" for the college newspaper when Luke was the editor. His attention to detail and insistence on "getting it right" have stuck with me. Those were the easy things to learn. His kindness and humility have been more difficult for me to emulate.

Luke was the executive director of Institute for Religious Research, an organization devoted to the defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although Luke was a skilled apologist, he understood that devotion to Jesus was not simply a matter of ideas that could be proved by superior intellect, winning arguments, or political clout but of living the life of Christ. He recognized that true apologetics was having Christ be seen in him so that people would be drawn into a relationship with a loving Savior rather than put off by threats of an angry God. Luke's life proves that the defense of the gospel does not have to be offensive, as indicated by this tribute written by a local Mormon Bishop:

Memory From: Garth Aamodt
bishopaamodt@comcast.net

I shall truly miss Luke. I am a Bishop in the Mormon Church, the pastor of the LDS Wyoming Ward here in Grand Rapids. I have known Luke for over 15 years. I have the dubious distinction to say that Luke and I spent many hours in debate, discussion, and yes, even deep argument on many occasion. (He even put me in his Abraham movie--my 5 minutes of fame!) I especially respected Luke's amazing mind. I have read all or most of Luke's scholarly writings. I did not always agree with his interpretations and conclusions, but I respected his keen intellect and deep spirituality.

We sparred, and challenged each other. In religious matters--which was the core of Luke's being--we were often diametrically in disagreement. Yet Luke was never "disagreeable." He was always calm, mellow and soft spoken. I always knew that Luke spoke from his heart and was always motivated by agape love.

Luke was invested in my welfare as he saw it, and would defend with his last breath his demand for respectful understanding of my people and faith. He was never condescending. Even when we fundamentally disagreed on deep, personal issues, he would listen, probe, investigate and then speak with calm authority. He wanted to help all those he could find their way to Jesus Christ. Though our view of that path led us to different conclusions, I never once felt anything but love and respect from this great man. Luke would not tolerate disrespect for the Mormon people. I have seen him correct men of influence who showed my faith discourtesy, or knowlingly misrepresented our true beliefs. He did not tolerate that. He loved the Mormon people, even while disagreeing with our doctrine. (Though he does love our politics!--Solidly Republican!) I felt his admiration, even in disagreement. What a rare ability! I respected him for trying to be fair and to put intellectual integrity ahead of ego. He was a man without guile. I often turned to him for his thoughts and opinions. I enjoyed his quiet wit, and open heart. As our friendship grew we achieved a level of chess masters--both confident in our own game, but aware that the result of more play would likely always remain stalemate. This allowed us to settle back, relax, and just enjoy each others company.

Luke tried to treat my people fairly, with a desire to understand first. He did not like to be called an anti-Mormon, because he believed that he worked "for" the Mormon people, as his faith convicted his heart. I respected that motivation and loved him for his righteous desires. I have no doubt that Luke lived his life by the light of Christ within him, and that our Lord, Jesus Christ will welcome him home victorious.

I look forward to seeing Luke on the other side of the veil, where we shall no doubt be able to conclude our debate with a clarity we lacked in mortality. Who shall win the debate remains to be seen, but if Luke is right and I am wrong, I will assure him my loss was not for lack of his trying! I also know that if all men were as Luke, we would have more love, brotherhood and understanding on this earth. I am grateful to have known Luke and to have counted him as a dear friend. He shall be dearly missed by at least this Mormon, who is better for having known him.

Bishop Garth Aamodt

Rest in peace, Luke. And may God grant your family and friends peace as well as they adjust to this difficult new reality.