Passing the torch

Yesterday I participated in my baccalaureate service(can you believe I am graduating?). It was a very moving service for me for two reasons: first, I couldn't help but reflect on what a wonderful two years it has been, and how God has provided for and blessed me here at Fuller. I cannot believe how fast it has gone! I'm glad I have one more year to study theology.

Second, dear Dr. Scholer gave the message. He spoke on the importance of remembering ourselves as being "jars of clay" whom are cracked and weak, so that the power of God is able to radiate out from our cracks. Over and over he reminded us that it is not about us, but about God, and that we have this treasure in clay jars. I have heard this message before; but this was particularly poignant because Dr. Scholer is at the end of his life. His terminal cancer that he has had for the last 6 years just spread to his brain a month ago. He was so weak he had to be helped up to the stage by two people. He is a man in the twilight of his life, and his sermon was perhaps the last public address he will ever give. To see a man who remains faithful up to this very point, when he is facing imminent death, was a powerful exhortation to all of us who are setting out on a new phase of life. If this was one of the most important lessons of his life, that God's grace is sufficient in our weakness, than surely we need to embrace that as we set out.

Although at times his voice quivered, or choked up with emotion, his final AMEN with which he ended his sermon was strong and confident, and had most of us in tears and then brought us to our feet in applause as we recognized his lifelong faithfulness to Christ. What a moment.