[God] may direct some to leave their homeland to go to proclaim the Gospel in a foreign land. There is a great temptation in such circumstances for people to revert to the legalism of thinking that they are being heroes for God because they are leaving their homeland to endure the rigors of living in a foreign land. Those who are directed to do hard jobs for God must remind themselves that these rigors are simply for their health. As these difficulties help them become more like Christ, they will sing a song of praise unto God, and as a result “many will see it and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psm. 40:3). People who regard themselves as invalids rather than heroes will make excellent missionaries.

Daniel Fuller (1925–2023), Theologe, Professor für Hermeneutik und Dekan am Fuller Theological Seminary

Related Bible passage: PSA.40.4

Topics: Witness & Mission, Humility & Pride, Work & Vocation

Occasions: For Reflection

Daniel Fuller

Daniel Fuller (1925–2023) war ein US-amerikanischer evangelikaler Theologe und wirkte über vier Jahrzehnte als Professor für Hermeneutik und Dekan am Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. Er entwickelte Methoden zur grammatischen Diskursanalyse biblischer Texte und betonte die Kontinuität beider Testamente, stieß jedoch mit seinen Thesen zur Irrtumslosigkeit der Schrift und zum Verhältnis von Glaube und Gehorsam auf scharfe Kritik konservativer Theologen. Für heutige Bibelleser ist er vor allem durch seinen hermeneutischen Ansatz bedeutsam, der namhafte Prediger und Ausleger wie John Piper nachhaltig prägte.

All quotes by Daniel Fuller (20)

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