“Finishing Well”

“Finishing Well”

 

When I was a high school freshman I went on a youth group retreat at which the speaker was Dr. Vernon Grounds, President of Denver Seminary. I don’t remember anything he said at that event 55+ years ago but he made a lasting impression. Little did I know at that time how much he’d impact my life and ministry over the next half century.

Ten years after that initial meeting Dr. Grounds presented me with my diploma at graduation. I’d been in awe of this man of integrity who was a world-renowned scholar but had never lost his pastoral heart as he spent time collectively with the student body, coffee cup in hand, after daily chapel as well as with me one-on-one (twice each year he invited me to breakfast just to talk and see how I was doing, a practice I continued with men in the churches I pastored). I saw him criticized and vilified, but he (unlike me) always responded with love and humility (his biography, written by Dr. Bruce Shelley [another of my influential seminary professors] is entitled “Transformed by Love”). To me, he was godliness and graciousness personified.

Our paths crossed from time to time over the next three decades. When we’d meet he’d always remember where I was serving and ask about my family and ministry. Given the number of people he knew (including many of the great Christian leaders of the 20^th century) I was always amazed at his interest in a common preacher like me. I may have graduated, but he was still my teacher and mentor.

The last time I saw Dr. Grounds was in 1998. When I was leaving the meeting at which he'd spoken I asked how I could pray for him. With little hesitation he said, “Pray I’ll finish well.” I assured him I would.

On September 12, 2010 Dr. Grounds crossed the finish line and Jesus welcomed him into Heaven at the age of 96. My prayers of 12 years had been answered as he’d touched countless lives (including mine) to the very end of his earthly journey. I pray that I too will finish well—and if I follow the example of this man of integrity I will.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan