Perhaps aging develops a more pragmatic attitude towards failure, or perhaps simple the sheer guts to persevere in overseas ministry for more than 23 years and experience deep failure and mountain top successes have given me the ability to embrace failure a little easier.
I'd like to hope that my life exemplifies the old adage "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger" (and wiser).
I was startled by this idea of a God-sanctioned Theology Failure in a teaching by Kenneth Bailey. He stated that Jesus gave his disciples a "theology of failure" when he sent them out in Mark 6:6-13.
Here is what Kenneth Bailey has to say,
You mean it's not all up to me?
I can be sent into a high-risk, abrasive and war-torn culture where I don't know the language very well, where the Mullah's preach against foreigners on a weekly basis, where stones are thrown at me, where the people (my neighbors) don't like me simply because I'm American, (or Western, or educated, or a Christian) and I can accept that some will accept me (and Christ) and some will despise me (and Christ)?
How much better would our folks thrive on the field if they embraced this teaching of Jesus! Would that His Body affirms His people for faithfulness not apparent success driven by numbers.
He does.
I'd like to hope that my life exemplifies the old adage "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger" (and wiser).
I was startled by this idea of a God-sanctioned Theology Failure in a teaching by Kenneth Bailey. He stated that Jesus gave his disciples a "theology of failure" when he sent them out in Mark 6:6-13.
Here is what Kenneth Bailey has to say,
He essentially tells them: If you are welcomed into any home - well and good - fulfill your ministry while based in that place and don't move about looking for more comfortable lodgings. If they do not receive you, shake off the dust "under the feet." This refers to the dust stirred up by your feet that permeates your clothing. Shaking it off is a symbolic gesture that means "I am finished with you and am leaving. Furthermore, as I leave, I take nothing from this house, not even its dust" (Acts 13:51, 18:6). This dramatic gesture can help the apostles leave behind them any lingering sense of failure. It frees them to go on (like Paul and his band) to the next home or village "filled with joy and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52). Having tried and failed, they must move on. It is astounding to see Jesus on this very first outreach beyond the range of his voice offering advice on how to deal with failure. This extraordinary exit strategy is in harmony with his entry strategy - to go on need, not in power and conquering or with aid to ensure a welcome.What an astonishing and equipping idea - to equip the newest generation of global workers with the idea of a theology of failure. What a freeing idea!
You mean it's not all up to me?
I can be sent into a high-risk, abrasive and war-torn culture where I don't know the language very well, where the Mullah's preach against foreigners on a weekly basis, where stones are thrown at me, where the people (my neighbors) don't like me simply because I'm American, (or Western, or educated, or a Christian) and I can accept that some will accept me (and Christ) and some will despise me (and Christ)?
How much better would our folks thrive on the field if they embraced this teaching of Jesus! Would that His Body affirms His people for faithfulness not apparent success driven by numbers.
He does.
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