Description:

Summary

John Knox, the great Reformer of Scotland, is often remembered as something akin to a biblical prophet born out of time strong and brash, thundering in righteous might. In truth, he was "low in stature, and of a weakly constitution," a small man who was often sickly and afflicted with doubts and fears. In The Mighty Weakness of John Knox, author Douglas Bond shows that Knox did indeed accomplish herculean tasks, but not because he was strong and resolute in himself. Rather, he was greatly used because he was submissive to God; therefore, God strengthened him. That strength was displayed as Knox endured persecution and exile, faced down the wrath of mighty monarchs, and prayed, preached, and wrote with no fear of man, but only a desire to manifest the glory of God and to please Him.

Chapters

• Knox's Life and Legacy
• The Power of a Christ-Subdued Life
• Power of Prayer
• Power of the Pulpit
• Power of the Pen
• Power of Predestination
• Empowering the Weak
• A Legacy of Strength

Resources and Tools

• Part of A Long Line of Godly Men Profile series
• Appendix A: Time Line
• Appendix B: The Scots Confession of Faith
• Notes
• Subject index
• Bibliography

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Review

Another volume appears in the Long Line of Godly Men Profiles series, this time a profile of John Knox by Douglas Bond. To this very interesting book about a very interesting man, Bond brings his compelling narrative style, honed in his previously written novels. The preface ('John Knox: A Weak Man Made Mighty') sets the tone for the volume, as Bond demonstrates in a variety of ways how God took Knox's several weaknesses to make him one of the Reformation's strongest figures. Citing Knox's greatest strength is his submission to Christ, Bond then traces 'power' in Knox's life, whether it be power of prayer, pen, or predestination, or power in Knox's preaching. For those wondering whether the Pauline mystery of strength in weakness can become true for them, Bond's portrait of Knox will prove as edifying it is instructive. --Dr. T. David Gordon: Professor of religion and Greek Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania

Though I love John Knox, I rarely enjoy reading about John Knox. Most biographers leave me feeling like a pathetic worm beside this mighty lion of Scotland. But to my great surprise, this book lifted my spirits and even inspired me. Why? Because Douglas Bond has capture and communicated the secret of John Knox's power- a genuinely felt and openly confessed weakness that depended daily and completely on the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. Mighty weakness- what an encouraging message for all worms who want to be lions. --Dr. David P. Murray: Professor of Old Testament and practical theology Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

In the compass of this small volume, Douglas Bond somehow manages to corral all the mysterious paradoxes of John Knox: the thunderous pulpit and the closet intercessions, the soaring intellect and the humble home life, the boldness and the meekness, the might and the weakness. In other words, Bond has captured the very essence of this remarkable model for reformational ministry. --Dr. George Grant: Pastor, East Parish Presbyterian Church Franklin, Tennessee

From the Inside Flap

John Knox, the great Reformer of Scotland, the man who once was a slave in a French galley but rose to stand against powerful queens, was a small man, often ill, and frequently filled with fears and doubts. How did one so weak in body and mind accomplish so much?

The answer, Douglas Bond shows, is that Knox was strong in spirit, for he was submissive to the will of God and cared more for the glory of Christ than his own. God strengthened him in his submission to do far more than he could have accomplished in his own power.

For those who see themselves as too weak, too small, too timid, or simply too ordinary for service in God's kingdom, Knox's life offers a powerful message of hope the biblical truth that God often delights to work most powerfully through people who are most weak in themselves but most strong in Him.