In HOPE

  In HOPE 7.9                                  back to home                        David Timms

Ministry Resource

N.T. Wright's The Lord & His Prayer (Eerdmans, 1997: 89 pages) offers a delightful look at the Lord's Prayer. The book is based on a sermon series that Wright preached in Lichfield Cathedral and contains nuggets of wisdom and insight for the soul.

Hope Happenings

Hope International University will celebrate its 83rd Commencement on May 19, 2007. Graduates come from a student body of more than one thousand students drawn from 27 states and over 40 countries.

 

Hope International University
Fullerton  CA  92831

"Let us live as people who are prepared to die, and die as people who are prepared to live." -- James S. Stewart


Colin's Homecoming

Yesterday - Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - Colin Harrison departed to be with Christ.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "To be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). But homecomings aren't meant for 32-year-olds. Most of us have much longer to anticipate the reunion; to prepare for the occasion.

Crossing the bar is for old sailors, not young ones. Yet, sometimes the journey starts unexpectedly early. The high seas, strong winds, shoals, reefs, rips, and storms may strike anyone at anytime. Nevertheless, Christ steers even the most tempestuous voyage to safety. He never leaves the helm or loses the bearings.

We grieve a healthy body that fails and a sharp mind that fades. But we rejoice in the grace of God that sustains those who suffer. We lament physical frailty and indignity. Death was not our Creator's design and it can strike with the unwelcome cruelty ... of a Cross ... or a cancer.

But through the valley of the shadow of death - a long shadow indeed, for some - the Shepherd comes. And gently, tenderly, lovingly, He greets the travelers and leads them beside still waters. The storm ends.

Colin now rests at home for eternity. His struggle is over. Death, once more, is cheated by faith. Paradise trumps the abyss. Colin has joined the saints of the ages - and the Lamb - for everlasting fellowship and joy.

Most of you never met Colin. You'll not read his name in records of the powerful, famous, or wealthy. You'll not find statues of him or monuments built in his honor. CBS evening news did not carry his story last night.

But the Creator of the Universe has personally welcomed him home.

Never mind the images of St. Peter checking off entrants at the pearly gates - newcomers who must then find their way to the palace at the center of the City. Rather, see the Father running down the road with absolute delight that His child has arrived. And while we can't quite hear the fanfare or see the parade, we can be sure of the royal reception that faith always receives.

You've not yet met Colin. But you will.

He waits just beyond the veil for his beloved Kasey, and for us ... at home with the Lord.

See you later, Colin.

In HOPE -

David

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For back issues of "In HOPE" (2005-2007) go to http://www.hiu.edu/inhope/.

David Timms serves in the Graduate Ministry Department at Hope International University in Fullerton, California. "In HOPE", however, is not an official publication of the University and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the Administrators or Board of the institution. "In HOPE" has been a regular e-publication since January, 2001.