January 11, 2013
It was on this day that we buried my dad. Burial for the loved ones of a person who has died can be an incredibly difficult time. It’s so final, so sad, grim even. But this day wasn’t as hard for me as it might’ve been. It has to do with one of my dad’s last coherent sentences before he passed away,
“My righteousness…. . . .is a gift . . …from God”
Dad managed to get those words out in a tone of voice that caught our attention. He mustered extra strength to say it. And as I reflect on that moment, those words sum up so much of what dad lived for. They also made his burial much easier.
Wherever my dad was
Whether it was in the halls or classrooms of L.I.F.E. Bible College during the 60’s; or in the pulpits of churches he spoke at; or just hanging out with me getting ready to eat one of our notorious peanut butter, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches…wherever dad was he would talk about righteousness.
It wasn’t religious talk. It was about a righteousness that God gives us through Jesus Christ. This is what dad lived for, what he died speaking about, and what he was buried with. He chose these words to be placed on his gravestone…
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)
Dad had been dying since he was 25
Although my dad’s health had been failing for the last few years of his life, he’d actually been dying since he gave his life to Christ when he was 25. He’d been dying to sin and the old nature.
This is not done through some kind asceticism or self-denial, but by faith. Faith is the only thing that vindicates our spiritual and moral failures. Paul said that we are “justified by faith apart from the law” (Rom. 3:28).
Dad’s determination to teach me these things was not to prepare me for the day of his burial, though it certainly helped, but to prepare me for every day. To realize that the most powerful truths in the world is the one he died saying, “righteous is a gift from God.”
Thanks dad. See you soon!
Thanks for sharing pastor,my condolences to you & your family , extra big hugs on this day . I admire your strength & soooo happy we have chosen your church our new home , love Heather & Jeff & son Vincent ??
Holy smokes! Good stuff
Wow Pastor, the timing of this is awesome.
“Righteousness is a gift, from God.”
Yes! Thank you Lord
So awesome! Along with being a great father, pastor, and mentor, you are a great son. Pastor Colman is proud! Thanks for the word.
I just started coming back to Escondido Christian Center and I remember your dad and how kind he was as well as anointed. I also remember hearing him on the radio back in the day. God bless your whole family.
I loved this special man who took time to listen to me & cared about what I was saying. We shared a love for the Hawaiian Islands & the food I shared with him. The HolySpirit gave him insight to see the hearts of all who knew him. I was Blessed so many times being counseled by both your parents. I love their hearts PTLTYGBUDLUVU
I read it’s been 4 years since pastor Colman went to heaven It Is beautiful to see how you still honor your father, thank you for sharing His last words. Im always Blessed and encouraged to read what you write??