Funeral of Richard Cebekhulu
Rev 2:17
Today we gathered to honour the life of our beloved brother, Richard Cebekhulu, whose passing has left a deep impression on all who knew him. He was a faithful member of the choir and continued to sing even when his physical strength began to fail. Even as he needed a walking stick and assistance from his wife and others to reach his place in the choir, he remained steadfast in his commitment to worship. His life stands as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel.
As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the great work God did through the revival at Maphumulo in 1966. Such a move of God can never truly be forgotten by those who have seen His power at work. The Gospel does not merely influence a person—it completely transforms a life. This was clearly seen in the testimony of brother Cebekhulu.
During services held in Mtunzini in the early 1980’s, this young man’s life was profoundly changed. What may have seemed like an ordinary gathering became a divine appointment. Mr Cebekhulu, then on his way to Johannesburg, found his heart deeply convicted by the Word of God. He openly confessed the burdens and sins that weighed on him, including his bondage to alcohol and dagga. Yet in that moment of honesty and surrender, Jesus touched his life and changed him completely.
From that day onward, he never turned back. By the mercy and grace of God, he became a new creation. His life became living proof of the words of Christ: “Behold, I make all things new.” Not only was he transformed, but God also used him to draw others to the Lord. Even the songs he later composed became expressions of a renewed heart and a life filled with God’s grace.
This testimony is also a tribute to those whom God used in his journey of faith. We give thanks for Ms Dube, whose vision for spreading the Gospel has borne much fruit, and for Rev Stegen, who sacrificed much to bring the message of Christ, especially to the Zulu people.
Revelation 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”
The sermon focused on the promise given to the one who overcomes: hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it. Richard Cebekhulu’s life was presented as an example of one who persevered to the end. He held firmly to the Gospel through every season of life and left behind an inheritance far greater than material possessions.
The greatest inheritance a parent can leave is not wealth, land, or possessions, but the treasure of knowing God. Nothing is more precious than a life rooted in Christ. His family and all who knew him have received a legacy of faith, perseverance, and godly example.
The message also reminded us that life in this world is not easy. The Christian walk is described as a race that requires discipline, humility, and endurance. Victory is not possible without self-control and submission to God’s guidance. Those who conquer are those who persevere through trials and remain faithful to the Lord.
The image of hidden manna reminds believers that just as God provided daily bread for Israel in the wilderness, He continues to provide daily spiritual nourishment for His people. Each day, grace, strength, and sustenance are available from Him.
Special emphasis was placed on the white stone spoken of in Revelation—a symbol of acceptance, redemption, and a new identity in Christ. On this stone is written a new name, known only to the one who receives it. This represents the deeply personal relationship between the believer and the Lord Jesus. It is a mystery of the Gospel, revealed only to those who truly receive Him.
The sermon concluded with a heartfelt challenge: What is most important in our lives? Do we, like Martin Luther, desire above all else to be with Jesus? Richard Cebekhulu’s life gives us the answer. His greatest treasure was Christ, and his life encourages us to hold on by God’s grace, persevere to the end, and seek above all else a personal relationship with the Lord.
His life remains a testimony that with God all things are possible, and that the greatest inheritance is a life transformed by Christ.
