"12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." - John 13:12-17 (NIV)
I woke up all of a sudden at 1:00a.m. “Feet…” That was what came to a barely awoke mind. As some of you know, I had been going through a tough battle at work where people in positions wanted me out. Except, I knew the legal system and whether with man’s law and definitely with God’s law, I knew something was being violated from the start.
I woke up all of a sudden at 1:00a.m. “Feet…” That was what came to a barely awoke mind. As some of you know, I had been going through a tough battle at work where people in positions wanted me out. Except, I knew the legal system and whether with man’s law and definitely with God’s law, I knew something was being violated from the start.
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As I reflected on the Lord’s Word this morning, He reminded me during this waiting period that I had been working with a specific crew at night that had been filled with so many detestable things. I never participated in their evil doings except maybe a few times, when it came to “joking around” that I knew was not pleasing to the Lord. This morning, He reminded me of that need that in my spiritual walk, I needed to surrender my “feet” and be washed by Him. Not just this morning, but daily.
“Lord, why are you going to wash my feet?” asked Simon Peter (John 13:6)
Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now why I am doing it; someday you will.” (John 13:7)
“No,” Peter protested, “You will never wash my feet!” (John 13:8)
Jesus replied, “But if I don’t wash you, you won’t belong to me.” (John 13:8)
Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” (John 13:9)
Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you are clean, but that isn’t true of everyone here.” (John 13:10)
Oh, how true with our spiritual walk that despite us being saved by Jesus, our feet still get smudged by the dirt of this world! How much we need for our feet to be cleansed by our Savior daily if we are willing to follow His example! Walking with Jesus in this faith journey we’re all in becomes more meaningful only if we include Him in our spiritual walks. Our missions are useless without Him. Our servant attitude is not a blessing if we are the ones glorified.
I am thankful that with the supervisors’ harmful intentions for me is actually beneficial as I’m being pulled away from bad influences, for how long is up to the Lord.
“16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
~ Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)
Oh Lord, thank You for always convicting our hearts. Thank You for showing You are very much in control of everything that goes on in our lives. Thank You Lord for Your direction and discernment through Your Word. Your Word that lasts forever. Thank You Lord for reminding me to repent daily and be cleansed by You. I want to have beautiful feet Lord but I can only achieve that with Your power working in me. Please fill us Lord with Your Holy Spirit and help us to live holy lives because You are a Holy God. I love you Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
How about your feet? Are they following Jesus' walk in this narrow path?
Oh Lord, thank You for always convicting our hearts. Thank You for showing You are very much in control of everything that goes on in our lives. Thank You Lord for Your direction and discernment through Your Word. Your Word that lasts forever. Thank You Lord for reminding me to repent daily and be cleansed by You. I want to have beautiful feet Lord but I can only achieve that with Your power working in me. Please fill us Lord with Your Holy Spirit and help us to live holy lives because You are a Holy God. I love you Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
How about your feet? Are they following Jesus' walk in this narrow path?
Without the gospel where would we be?
ReplyDeleteI'm believing for something wonderful for you through this situation dear Rosel!
ReplyDeleteBless you!
Beth
I feel like Peter when he said to wash his head, his everything - because I so want to be His! You have such a patient, long-suffering heart - so full of wisdom. I am slowly learning about that patience, that long-suffering. Somedays I feel like it's an olympic sport I'm training for - the sport of Patience:)
ReplyDeleteYour strength inspires and encourages me! Have a blessed week dear friend!
It was a poignant moment in the entire Mass last (Holy Thursday) night.
ReplyDeleteThe parishoners showed up at random it seemed, but well planned nonetheless, and sat down on chairs well spread on the altar area.
I was on the opposite side of this church --- Our Lady of Peace --- for the first time; a new view and easier to "read lips" of speakers.
But sometimes the message is not spoken. You must look closely to perceive it.
The priest bypassed the first person, and washed the feet of the next person. He leap-frogged like this through all 12 people. But the 2nd, and all even number people with feet washed, then washed the feet of the person to their right, emulating servanthood.
Later, I learned these were all married folks, and the husband, with feet washed already, began to wash the feet of their wife.
It was a continuous deed, as the priest moved on. The first pair of feet was 5 steps from my view, and done with care. So too, the next couple, as the priest began the following pair.
But it was the third couple who caught my eyes. The man had put on one shoe and sock on his feet; the other still bare, as he began to do both feet of his wife.
But he did not do as all the rest, with a quick pour, a wipe that will do, and get those feet covered with shoes anew.
He held one of her feet in his hands after washing both.
As he held her foot and all eyes moved on with the priest, I watched this man bow to his wife, pause, then lean down totally, and gave her fresh cleaned foot....
a Holy Kiss!
It was a moment of magic; public yet most private.
Her eyes spoke as if Christ had done this deed.
This is a man who sealed his sacred marriage vows in a most public way...and the ONLY man to do so with his wife.
My mind echoed the phrase: "Take off your sandals; for you are standing on Holy Ground". The Great "I AM" was there then.....and NOW!
It will be remembered among my favorite Holy Week Thursday moments over the years....they are adding up, as God uses the moment to speak to me anew, each year.