Sunday, September 12, 2010
Vernon Grounds
Dr. Vernon Grounds, Professor, President, and Chancellor of Denver Seminary, has died at the age of 96. He was a remarkable scholar, leader, and friend to scores of people, and one of the most loving Christians imaginable. He now takes his grace-given place in the presence of the Trinity, the holy angles, and all the saints, awaiting the resurrection of the body.
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3 comments:
I remember my first opening chapel with Dr. Vernon Grounds. This shorter seasoned man rose from his seat and walked feebly to the podium for the closing prayer. My head was bowed as Dr. Grounds began to pray to our God and Savior. I distinctly remember opening my eyes and looking up at him in utter disbelief. His voice, his deep voice spoke out with power and authority that forced my reaction. It was as if I had to make sure this weathered man was truly speaking. There was no failing in his voice but strength and maturity as I watched him pray. Dr. Vernon Grounds in his nineties from that point on never seemed old to me again. I always wondered if this is how Israel viewed Moses? A man so close to God that age may take the body but his mind, soul, and voice remained with Him. I am blessed to have spoken with him, to have known him, and to have heard the voice of a man who truly sought after God with his life.
I remember my first opening chapel with Dr. Vernon Grounds. This shorter seasoned man rose from his seat and walked feebly to the podium for the closing prayer. My head was bowed as Dr. Grounds began to pray to our God and Savior. I distinctly remember opening my eyes and looking up at him in utter disbelief. His voice, his deep voice spoke out with power and authority that forced my reaction. It was as if I had to make sure this weathered man was truly speaking. There was no failing in his voice but strength and maturity as I watched him pray. Dr. Vernon Grounds in his nineties from that point on never seemed old to me again. I always wondered if this is how Israel viewed Moses? A man so close to God that age may take the body but his mind, soul, and voice remained with Him. I am blessed to have spoken with him, to have known him, and to have heard the voice of a man who truly sought after God with his life.
This is, of course, bitter sweet. It is sad to lose a man like Dr. Grounds but we have to acknowledge that he lived a long, full, and prosperous life.
Like the commentator above I also have personal heroes and it has caused me to wonder lately if living Godly in Christ Jesus is some kind of long life elixir. Dr. Grounds was 96. Other people I have admired my entire life have grown old in the service of the Lord. Dwight Pentecost is either 94 or 95 and is still teaching 3 times a week at DTS as well as Howard Hendricks who is in his mid to late 80's. I am unsure how old Earl Radmacher is but he must be approaching or in his early 80's. John Whitcomb maintains an itinerant ministry in his mid-80's
I am thankful for the life and service of Dr. Grounds and his loss saddens me. I suspect there is going to be a lot of sadness in the future. Many great Christians will soon be passing. With all do respect I wonder if we have raised a generation to replace them.
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