The power of weakness

This post is from the defunct blog "Dying Church"

Scott Williams writes:

last night a group of us pondered the ramifications of the 'power of weakness'. we talked about how god consistantly uses the least, the youngest, the cripple to impact the world. in a culture where the first born was elevated and blessed, god consistantly chose the younger brother, the prostitute, the blessing stealer, the adolescent. if you are familiar with the sacred writings in the bible, especially the old testament, it is apparent that jehovah seemed to have a sardonic habit of elevating those who were inadequate. he called gideon "mighty warrior" when gideon knew full well he was not. he trimmed gideon's army from 35,000 to 300 to prove to everyone that he did not need our superstar abilities, he did not require talent, he only needed passion and a willingness to step outside of our comfort zone. lately i have pondered the paradox almost daily, even written about it, with regard to our fascination, our need for, spiritual superstars. the bible talks about "when i am weak then i am at my strongest" yet we still insist that we are not worthy, not capable, not talented enough to be a change agent. we read that "we boast in our weakness" yet flock to stand at the alter of the talented and the seemingly strong. it is a lesson that we all struggle to learn. we live in a culture that elevates strength, talent, looks and ability. we live in a spiritual kingdom the honors weakness, willingness, humility and dependence. no wonder the ways of the spirit seem to be stupid to the average outsider. as campolo once said, the price tags have been switched.

Comments

[George]

That's a great post. I have had a week that goes along with what he says there. I have been reminded in so many ways that it is about just that, through humility and surrender comes power. The world in which we live doesn't understand that, but in God's Kingdom that's where its at.

[Andrew]

Have you ever read "The Monk and the Cripple" by Henri Nouwen? I've just read it as part of a course at Tyndale seminary and it is right along these lines - worth reading if you can get your hands on it! It was published in the May 15, 1980 issue of America journal (Catholic journal).