DEVOTIONAL
New Beginnings, Same Story Daniel Marriott (‘07)
As we come to the close of another academic year, all eyes turn to graduation. This is a time of joy, hope, and even uncertainty. We rightfully anticipate the wonderful celebration that is commencement. This is a time of joy, as we celebrate those who have put in years of hard work and have completed their course. Like warriors coming home from battle, we rejoice in their victory and we honor their achievements. We praise God for His many mercies and sustaining grace in the lives of our graduates. This is a time of hope, as we look forward to the great and marvelous things that God will do through the lives of our graduates. Some will continue on with further studies in preparation for their callings while others will jump right into their chosen career path. As one chapter comes to a close, we eagerly anticipate reading the next, knowing that we have the master storyteller and the Architect of our universe and our salvation. This is also a time of uncertainty. It can seem both fortunate and unfortunate that God does not reveal every aspect of His story for our lives. As our nation begins to sail into uncharted waters on a number of social fronts, our graduates will be thrown into the thick of the culture wars and, having a strong
Biblical foundation to stand on, will be all the more crucial. Many of our graduates will be faced with a myriad of opportunities and wonder about the ramifications of their upcoming decisions and how their story will end. With all of these new beginnings, it is a blessing to know that they are all being written into the same story, the glorification of God in Christ through the salvation of sinners. First, this is the story of their own salvation. I believe that it is right for us to have Paul’s confidence that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6. ESV) Through the many twists and turns, the defeats and victories, we and they can be sure that the Captain of their soul will keep watch over them and bring them safely Home. Second, this is the story of the salvation of those with whom they will come into contact with through the outworking of their callings. Through their education at SDC, they have been trained to in their “hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered,
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those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:15-16, ESV) As God now brings new characters into their story, it is their duty to call these new characters to give up their rogue stories and join with them in God’s grand narrative. May we all join in welcoming these new alumni into our ranks by renewing our own evangelistic zeal in the confidence of our own story’s ending.
Danny married Julie in March of 2013. He graduated from SDC’s Biblical Studies Department in 2007 and is currently the registrar at Westminster Seminary California and an adjunct professor in SDC’s Adult Professional Studies program. Forever a Hawk, he follows every SDC sports team and is very proud of the baseball team’s first league title. GO HAWKS!