On Eagles’ Wings: An Exploration of Strength in the Midst of Weakness

This is a volume of practical, scriptural, and contemporary essays exploring the idea of strength in weakness in the context of Christian life and ministry. Biblical scholars, theologians, and Christian ministry practitioners have thought about the biblical paradigm of strength in weakness within their own areas of expertise and interest. Biblical scholars encounter the idea of strength in weakness in both Old and New Testament passages that suggest human weakness and divine strength. The people of Israel, a community reliant on grace, exemplify this theme. Mark’s portrayal of Jesus Christ indicates that it is in weakness that Christ saves. Paul’s paradigm for ministry suggests the same. Theological chapters engage this teaching of strength in weakness as it surfaces in Luther’s life, in Calvin’s view of prayer, in Barth’s theology, and ultimately in the divine dealing with the world. Pastoral theology demonstrates this theme’s foundational significance for a suffering church in its mission to the world as well as the themeis importance for preaching the leading of God’s people today. Drawing together scholars from fields of biblical studies, systematic theology, and pastoral theology, On Eagles’ Wings questions the over-emphasis on power in today’s church. The authors propose various ways that ministry and mission may be best engaged with a biblical humility and with reliance on God’s grace.