Someone once told me that a theme in my ministry was that I was willing to let things die. I took that as a great compliment.
One day Jesus had thousands of followers. The next day he had only his few disciples. And he even wondered about them. But this did not deter him from being who he was or saying and doing what he must.
When we attach too much significance to achievement, success or meaning then we are in danger of a deeper failure.
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My name is David Hayward, and I am the nakedpastor. I am a graffiti artist on the walls of religion.
Gives new dimension to “it is finished.”
No modern quasi ‘restored to ministry’ resurrection here then David!
…but when He entrusted Himself to Himself (the Father) and came back as Himself (the Holy Spirit) living through us, didn’t all that start to change again? I understand the death part…but what about the new life part? And I understand the defined by success part too but I can’t help but wonder if He doesn’t want to do more through us then just leave us at a place of death? His growth chart didn’t stop at 33 AD or we’d all be doing what we do for ‘nada’.
Where our treasures are, our hearts will be also . . .
And then eventually His numbers grew again, but He was no longer on the scene (physically). That’s the way it should be. Our work shouldn’t die just because we’re not around. People should catch the vision and run with it regardless of the leader.
I love that insight. So rare in leadership – willing to do what it takes to get quality over quantity. I think it’s a universal principle and one reason in the secular world that Steve Jobs was so successful.
Hope you’re well, David.
thanks Seth. Nice to hear from you.
I think he had more than the 11 left after his crucifixion; there was Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and a small army of average Joes and Janes keeping it together at home while quietly awaiting that promised third day…they had already learned what I later learned in AA: Don’t give up before the miracle happens….