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"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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