Michael was a precious treasure to me; I expressed this to him frequently.

In God’s kindness He permitted our friendship to flourish and allowed a relationship of an older and a younger brother to be encouraged by one another. Michael’s mind was keen, and his heart was tender. He was always ready for dialog of the best sort - not simply heady, Gnostic, data-driven dialog, but substantive dialog nonetheless, and the consequences of which he always sought to implement in his life. Christianity - pursuing Christ as King - was a vibrant and real pursuit for Michael, not only as his profession, but as the definition of his life.

Michael brought joy to me and my family. His manly chivalry was always present as he revered my wife, and he always expressed gratitude for the least bit of kindness extended to him. His character was solid and rich.

Michael had knowledge and wisdom beyond his years. He was deferential to older men. And, he would hold his tongue even if his own thoughts may express some greater understanding of the issue at hand.

Michael’s chief love was Christ and seeing His character revealed in the law of God, applying it to his own life, and seeking to implement it in the most practical ways - taking his thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.

Certainly Michael was my friend, and I will dearly miss him. I will miss him being in our home interacting with our children. I will miss his interaction on any number of a hundred subjects. I will miss his intensity, his urgency, his sobriety, and his humor. I will miss his smile. His departure is my great loss. And yet, I am at certain peace with God’s providential and kind hand directing all things for His pleasure.

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth. Ecc 7:1 Our merciful and Almighty God has finished His handiwork in His vessel, Michael Garrett Billings. Michael’s death completes his race and has ushered him into the presence of his Maker, King, and Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord.

O Give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth forever.

A friend that loved him,

Michael Gobart