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Articles
- A Theology of Humor by Cheryl Taylor
- Ministering With Humor by Stephanie Nance
- Christian Leaders Having Fun? by Pam Morton with Kathy Jingling
- The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter by Dwenda Gjerdingen, MD, MS
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- Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins
- The Purse-Driven Life by Anita Renfroe
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Biblical Precedent for Filling Shoes
By Juli Nelson
Juli Nelson serves in two part-time ministry positions: as pastor of First Christian Church, Clever, Missouri, and associate pastor of educational development at Evangel Temple Christian Center in Springfield, Missouri.
The phrase“shoes to fill” brings the word “modeling” to mind. In a fashion sense, models showcase clothing and accessories with a flair, making them attractive to prospective consumers. If the model (and the products) are appealing, the fashion company profits. In a spiritual sense, a Christian model showcases the character and work of God. And similarly, if the Christian model is compelling, the kingdom of God flourishes as others emulate the model.
As women of God in the 21st century, we have had some wonderful models of women who have walked before us, faithfully proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel.
While the word “modeling” may be more contemporary, the concept certainly is not. The Bible allows us a glimpse into the lives of people who served as models for those who came after them. Moses passed the baton to Joshua; Elijah paved the way for Elisha; Jesus commissioned His disciples to continue His work; Paul exhorted Timothy to continue in what he had learned.
Each of these biblical models did significant work for the kingdom of God. They were called and used powerfully. In the case of Jesus, of course, His divine work had to be continued by His human disciples. But for each of the successors, it must have been daunting. How were they to fill those shoes?
As we look appreciatively at the ministries of faithful women who have gone before us, we ask the same question. If we are to fill their shoes, what can we learn from the biblical characters who also had to step into “big shoes?”
I think there are several lessons:
- Less experience is assumed. (The shoes will feel too big). Joshua couldn’t say, “I can’t do your work, Moses, because I don’t have your experience.” It was inevitable that he didn’t have Moses’ quantity of experience. But he was still asked to step into Moses’ shoes.
- Confidence may waver. (You may feel wobbly in the shoes). Elisha begged for a double portion of God’s blessing to be able to do Elijah’s work. Timothy had to be reassured that his youth was not a liability in proclaiming the gospel. Of course, even Moses had moments of self-doubt. Certainly novices will too.
- Ministry is not optional. (The shoes have to be filled). Jesus told the disciples to go into the entire world and make more disciples. There was an expectation that the good news of the Kingdom needed to be shared. The job was not finished. Each disciple would do it and do it uniquely.
- Empowerment by God is necessary. (The shoes will need to be aerodynamically efficient). Joshua knew he needed “Moses’ God,” Yahweh, with him also. Jesus’ newly commissioned disciples knew that unless the risen Christ went with them, they could not do His work.
- It is an ongoing journey. (You don’t have to invent shoes; you only have to slip them on for your journey). Elisha didn’t have to invent leadership; he had to follow Elijah’s model of listening to God. Jesus’ disciples didn’t have to invent the kingdom of God; they had to continue Jesus’ model of demonstrating it in credible ways.
As women of God in the 21st century, we have had some wonderful models of women who have walked before us, faithfully proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel. Now it is time for us to fill their shoes. Joshua, Elisha, Jesus’ disciples, and Timothy would probably tell us to hurry now, slip into the shoes, and step out on the path, for the same God who has accompanied our successors will accompany us.
