The Legacy of Ron Mitchell
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones.
In the second temptation of Christ, Satan takes the Lord to the top of the Temple and says, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down…” He was tempting Christ to prove Himself as the Son of God, but our Lord did not have to vindicate Himself to Satan or to anyone else.
Today a hero to many passed away after a bout with cancer. He was a professor of Church History and Theology at Central Baptist College during my time there (2002-2006). I think I could fill up many pages giving you stories about his grace towards others and his passion for teaching the Word of God. Those were evident in his life but there was something much more attractive about his character.
I think that the verse that describes Dr. Mitchell the most is the first half of Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” The verse echoes a section from Isaiah which reads “For the Lord God helps Me, Therefore I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed” (50:7).
To my shame, I was one of his worst students my freshman year; a cocky baseball player who had enough Bible to be wickedly dangerous. I signed up for a Dr. Mitchell class and had no idea that my life was about to change. Class period after class period he would present Scriptural truth to me and I would give him a look as if he were crazy. I would talk bad about him and felt justified in what I was doing.
The funny thing was, Dr. Mitchell could not care less about my bad opinion of him. He had learned and practiced Isaiah 2:22: Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils, for why should he be esteemed?” If he did happen to lose sleep over my comments and actions to him, they were only for my soul that needed to repent. There are no words to describe my indebtedness to him for this.
During the summer following my freshman year of college I became a Christian and it is clear that Dr. Mitchell’s teaching had the most impact on my soul. When I returned to school I began to talk with him like we were old friends and for the next three years I took great advantage of his counsel and wisdom. I learned how to ignore the attacks of others and see the heart behind those attacks. I felt like I gained a year of maturity after a ten minute talk with him sometimes.
Dr. Mitchell died this morning and the words of Isaiah 50:8-9 rings clearer for Him: “He who vindicates me is near; Who will contend with me? Let us stand up to each other; Who has a case against me? Let Him draw near to me. Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; Who is he that condemns me?” Dr. Mitchell does not have to hear anymore harsh comments by freshman now. He no longer faces the temptation of Satan to speak up for himself either. He is at rest and his complete vindication is coming soon. For those of us who have been touched by his life, Hebrews 13:7 gives instruction: Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
NN
Dr. Mitchell was an amazing man. I am so grateful for his love of Scripture and diligence to impart that to his students. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. Mitchell was a special man that can never be replaced in the hearts of many students. As saddened as I am by the loss, I can’t help but rejoice when I think of Dr. Mitchell running through the gates of Heaven to throw himself, pain free, at the feet of his Lord and Savior. With his late wife there to embrace him, the reunion must be wonderful! Mrs. Esther, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, we know the next few days and weeks will be some of the most trying of your life. God will provide the comfort that you need and the words and wisdom that you will share with those who flock around you to lift you up.
Through all of the sickness, Dr. Mitchell always kept his eyes on the Lord and I can only imagine that today was the most amazing day, a day that he has waited for and dreamt about for his entire life. I smile because I know there is no better place for a man to be than in the presence of God, and I smile because a brother, a teacher, a mentor, and a friend is now in peace for eternity. Praise God! Praise God! Lift up his name and fall on your face because Jesus is Lord!
Dr. Mitchell, you will be greatly missed.
cbc will definatley miss dr mitchell. his passion and fire for the word and for truth will not be soon forgotten…we should honor his death by our life.
I was privileged to attend Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary with Dr. Mitchell. We had hours of delightful conversation, warm fellowship, and thoughtful discussions about ecclesiology. He was a Christian gentleman, a lover of the Lord Jesus, and a faithful servant of God. May the Lord be honored in the lives of students in whom he invested his life and may his family be comforted to know that he is with his Savior.