CAUSE ME TO KNOW
October 10, 2026The LORD had called home, a voice that sang His songs with reverential worship, wholehearted adoration and deep deep passion, which, only a few people would demonstrate such a level of commitment to the LORD Jesus. The voice that I am talking about is that of brother Ezra Shastry, who was called to his heavenly abode by the LORD Jesus on Friday 9th October 2026, at the age of seventy two. It surely is a loss for the Centenary Baptist Church, Secunderabad, but also the Church and the Christians in this part of God’s world. Though death and separation is always painful, yet, it is a day we can thank, praise and worship the LORD Jesus, for the life and legacy of a simple, humble and unassuming man called Ezra Shastry, a highly gifted gospel singer, musician and composer.
Death knocked the door Ezra Shastry twice. Once in the form of a very serious road accident in 1991, and then a severe Covid attack a few years ago. He should have died in both the occasions. However, God had other thoughts, and snatched him from the very jaws of death, on both the occasions.
The road accident on 5th May 1991 had left him struggling with health issues all his life. The driver of the car and another person died on the spot, and Ezra Shastry was also seriously hurt. Because of the injuries on the back of his neck, it left him with a debilitating nervous weakness that has for the past many years made even normal walking a painfully difficult task for him.
Second knock of death was during the Covid days. There was absolutely no hope for Ezra Shastry to survive. One Christian group even had a Memorial Service for him. Yet, God miraculously revived him and restored his life for more than five years. Considering the two encounters with death, and the painful things that resulted because of them, yet, this man has nothing but thanks and gratitude towards God for all His grace, mercy and love.
Ezra Shastry’s favourite song, as said by him, is “ఏ రీతి నీ ఋణం తీర్చుకొందు యేసయ్యా. ఏ దిక్కు లేని నన్ను ప్రేమించినావయ్యా. ఎంతో కృపను చూపి దీవించినావయ్యా” – “How can I repay the debt that own to you dear LORD Jesus? You who cared and loved a man without any hope and direction and showed upon me your grace and mercy.” This, he says is his life story. But for the grace, mercy, love, goodness and forgiveness of the LORD Jesus, he considers himself of absolutely no value. Isn’t it the story of each of us, dear brothers and sisters?
God used Ezra Shastry greatly through the songs that he sang for the LORD his God and Redeemer. Our LORD Jesus used his voice to touch and impact many lives, to bless, comfort, encourage and inspire people from all walks of life to live for God. Isn’t that the purpose for all of us whom God graciously transformed?
A VOICE FELL SILENT on 9 October 2026, BUT that voice, *IT STILL “SPEAKS”* to us, through the melodious and meaningful songs that Ezra Shastry had sung for the LORD his God and his Redeemer. He left behind a rich legacy. He fought the good fight. He has finished the race. He did keep the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7. How about us dear brothers and sisters? Would such a conclusion be arrived at, about us, when the LORD calls us home? Even so the LORD Jesus help us.
