I haven't blogged since September and haven't even taken a look at what the last post was until this morning. Imagine my surprise when I found that what I wrote about then is the same message that spoke to me this morning when I read John 6:26! Since I tend not to believe in coincidence and since I did feel compelled to blog, God must have something to say, at least to me.
John 6:26 says this: "Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, you have been searching for Me, not because you saw the miracles and signs but because you were fed with the loaves and were filled and satisfied."
The holiday shopping frenzy has launched, and I find myself already stressing and feeling irritated because I don't know what to buy for those I love. My three year old granddaughter has had the toy catalogs in her precious little hands, marking those toys she just has to have! It's a race against others who love her to purchase those very special things that will bring delight to her face on Christmas morning as she is buried in a mountain of wrapping paper. Maybe it's my age, but I am resisting the urge to spend, spend, spend, but I suspect my rebellion has more to do with lots of years of experience that tell me that all the shiny new stuff will only bring temporary satisfaction. Whether it's my little granddaughter or the "grown ups," the excitement and pleasure will be short lived.
When I read the verse this morning, what resonated in my heart was this - the wonder and novelty of the moment that reveals the new objects of our desire will last only as long as we have that feeling. When the feeling wanes, we will want more.
The people who came seeking Jesus followed after him not because of the miracles they'd seen but because he had fed them - literally. They were hungry, he produced food from a few loaves and fishes, which was in itself miraculous, and they were satisfied. When they grew hungry again, they wanted more. They came to the only one who could satisfy their most essential needs. While they came wanting food for their physical bodies, Jesus taught them that they should desire the food that sticks with them for all eternity (John 6:27).
I will buy gifts to give this Christmas, but I'm not going to give into the seduction of marketing or my competitive urge to keep up with others. I know that stuff won't satisfy. I hope to live the truth that Jesus is the "...the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time)" (John 6:35).
My prayer is that I will be satisfied by the Bread of Life and that I can point others to the One who is all we will ever need or want. After all, we are celebrating the birth of the only Gift worth receiving.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Starving for the Word
I read this morning that recent figures place 1 in 7 Americans in poverty. That's kind of a startling statistic since we also live in what is considered to be one of the wealthiest nations of the world. I don't see people dying from famine as they do in other countries, so the growing numbers of people experiencing poverty in this country are not so obvious to me.
What does capture my attention, though, are the growing numbers of people who are dying from a different kind of famine, or poverty. Recently, I came across some scriptures in Amos that seem to aptly describe our world -
"I, the LORD, also promise you a terrible shortage, but not of food and water. You will hunger and thirst to hear my message. You will search everywhere--from north to south, from east to west. You will go all over the earth, seeking a message from me, the LORD. But you won't find one. Your beautiful young women and your young men will faint from thirst" (Amos 8:11-13).
The prophet Amos spoke to the children of Israel, but the word from the Lord speaks to what we witness today - people are experiencing a famine of hearing the words of the Lord; they are starving for truth and are looking everywhere for it but not finding it.
We have no shortage of supply - the Bible is easily available in print and online. We have churches dotting street corners and springing up in vacant storefronts and in schools on the weekends. Preachers and teachers are available 24/7 on television, radio, and the Web. Yet, still people are starved for the truth, looking everywhere for it.
While we have the Word available to us, we may not be taking the time and making the investment required to actually "hear" what God has to say. This famine may be of our own making. We may have chosen to get our "nutrients" in the same way some of us choose to get the nutrition necessary to physically function - we chug "fortified" energy drinks, substitute "complete meal bars" for actual food, swallow supplements to take the place of the vitamins and minerals we would get from healthy eating. When we opt for the "artificial sweeteners and man-made nutrients," we are choosing to lose our taste for the "real deal." We forget what real food tastes like and jeopardize our health by relying on inferior sustenance. Our bodies try to tell us they need "real food," and if we ignore the signals long enough, we do damage that grows over time and eventually forces us to pay attention in the form of disease.
When we substitute feasting on the "bread of life" (John 6:51) and drinking the water "...that springs up into everlasting life," (John 4:14) for "truth" that is more convenient, we are like those who Paul said "...exchanged the truth of God for a lie..." (Romans 1:25). We lose sight of what the real truth is and settle for a weaker substitute. Our spirit lacks the satisfaction that comes from feasting at the table prepared for us. We know we're missing something. If we persist in ignoring our need for Word of Life (John 6:63), we perish.
It's easy for me to not see the hunger and poverty around me; I can ignore the needs of others by simply looking the other way. I can read statistics and hear media pleas to "do the deed" by involving myself in community service and not be moved to action. Shamefully, it's even easier for me to not pay attention to those around me who are starving because they need to hear the words that will give them life eternal.
In Matthew 25:35-46, Jesus talks about those of us who minister to those in need and those of us who don't. We generally think of these passages of scripture in regard to physical and material needs, and we should, but I believe those of us who know God's word and fail to give it to a world dying for lack of it are the same as those of us who see the physically and materially needy and do nothing.
Lord, I am hungry for your truth, not the truth as the world spins it. I don't want a convenient and comfortable interpretation of you because I want to be sustained by the life you give. Please make me sensitive to those around me who need to know your word, who need you, not just an "artificial you." I pray that you will use me to live your truth and share your word to those in need. Amen.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Convenience Store Christianity
Today, we can hardly travel a mile without seeing Quik Trips, Kwik Shops, One Stops and other aptly named markets holding down the four corners of most intersections. They provide us an in and out, convenient shopping experience where we can purchase whatever we need in one stop! The products aren't always the healthiest for us or the most cost-effective. They are, though, quick and convenient and provide the instant gratification we need. Marketers vie for prime corner real estate so that we don't have to worry about getting off the main thoroughfare and back onto it. We have come to expect 24/7 access to what we want when we want it. Convenience has become part of our cultural DNA.
This expectation of convenience seems to have made its way into how some of us view our Christian service. Churches seem to have bought into the idea that to draw "customers," they must provide easy access and "grab and go" products. Christians now shop for churches based upon when services are scheduled and the variety and style of "programs" offered. Service to the church body is made easy - give an hour a week, no preparation required, with very little if any commitment to interfere with the rest of the week. We want to be able to rush in and out, grab what we want off the shelf, and exit quickly, back into the rush of our everyday lives. Christianity of this sort results in the same outcome of shopping at convenience stores regularly - the cost is too high and our need not met for very long.
I am guilty of wanting to go to church early so I can get out early and have the rest of my day to myself. I wanted a church where I could show up on Sunday, do my time, and never serve in any way that would inconvenience me beyond the amount of time I was willing to give up on a Sunday morning, once a month. My parameters were all about me and not at all about what the call to be like Christ is. I was wrong!
We aren't called to convenient service. Jesus says that if we are to follow him we will deny ourselves and take up our crosses daily (Luke 9:23). He says that we will lose our lives for his sake, but we will also be saved (Luke 9:24). We are called to be like Jesus, and that means investing the time to learn who He is and being willing to serve as he did. It means we may be inconvenienced!
The stakes are high. We have to decide whether we are going to shape our Christianity to serve our convenience (Romans 8:6; Colossians 2:8) or if we are going to inconvenience our flesh and be transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 2: 6-7). If our heart's desire is to be like Jesus, we won't be able to "grab and go"; we will choose to sit at His feet and follow where He leads.
Heavenly Father, I'm selfish. I want what I want when I want it! I like having things go my way and on my schedule. Forgive me for seeking convenience over seeking and doing Your will. Help me to have the heart to serve and the strength to obey you. In your name, Amen.
This expectation of convenience seems to have made its way into how some of us view our Christian service. Churches seem to have bought into the idea that to draw "customers," they must provide easy access and "grab and go" products. Christians now shop for churches based upon when services are scheduled and the variety and style of "programs" offered. Service to the church body is made easy - give an hour a week, no preparation required, with very little if any commitment to interfere with the rest of the week. We want to be able to rush in and out, grab what we want off the shelf, and exit quickly, back into the rush of our everyday lives. Christianity of this sort results in the same outcome of shopping at convenience stores regularly - the cost is too high and our need not met for very long.
I am guilty of wanting to go to church early so I can get out early and have the rest of my day to myself. I wanted a church where I could show up on Sunday, do my time, and never serve in any way that would inconvenience me beyond the amount of time I was willing to give up on a Sunday morning, once a month. My parameters were all about me and not at all about what the call to be like Christ is. I was wrong!
We aren't called to convenient service. Jesus says that if we are to follow him we will deny ourselves and take up our crosses daily (Luke 9:23). He says that we will lose our lives for his sake, but we will also be saved (Luke 9:24). We are called to be like Jesus, and that means investing the time to learn who He is and being willing to serve as he did. It means we may be inconvenienced!
The stakes are high. We have to decide whether we are going to shape our Christianity to serve our convenience (Romans 8:6; Colossians 2:8) or if we are going to inconvenience our flesh and be transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 2: 6-7). If our heart's desire is to be like Jesus, we won't be able to "grab and go"; we will choose to sit at His feet and follow where He leads.
Heavenly Father, I'm selfish. I want what I want when I want it! I like having things go my way and on my schedule. Forgive me for seeking convenience over seeking and doing Your will. Help me to have the heart to serve and the strength to obey you. In your name, Amen.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Before You Know Peace...
It's early Saturday morning, and it's peaceful! I'm sitting with my laptop, waiting for the coffee to finish brewing, and the news of the day is still lying in the driveway. Nothing has yet disturbed my peace. Undoubtedly, as the day unfolds, some small tweak to what I consider perfect or the way things ought to go will come along and for a moment, or maybe longer, I will potentially know some dis-ease, a disruption to my serenity. Those daily irritations are normal; how I respond to them, if I am to stay content, is up to me.
God's plan for our lives is that we know his peace and live in accord with his plan. Psalm 119:165 says this: "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." All sorts of things arise that have the potential to keep us from living a life that is steadfastly rooted in the kind of peace that God has promised us. To know the blessing of his promised peace, though, we must be willing to do our part - love his law. This may mean that before we know peace, we need to know God's plan, his direction for how to live life, and then do it (see I Peter 3:11; II Peter 3:18; James 1:22; Proverbs 16:7).
When we have committed our lives to doing God's will and pleasing him, we are assured the promise of his blessings, one of which is unshakable peace. We can also be certain that our adversary will do everything he can to cause us to doubt that we can trust in the One who promises to never leave, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:6). We must draw strength and direction from God's Word if we are to remain in his peace.
So, my day has begun; the peace and quiet have been jostled. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will remind me to do my part in keeping the peace that comes through knowing God and his Word and living it.
God's plan for our lives is that we know his peace and live in accord with his plan. Psalm 119:165 says this: "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." All sorts of things arise that have the potential to keep us from living a life that is steadfastly rooted in the kind of peace that God has promised us. To know the blessing of his promised peace, though, we must be willing to do our part - love his law. This may mean that before we know peace, we need to know God's plan, his direction for how to live life, and then do it (see I Peter 3:11; II Peter 3:18; James 1:22; Proverbs 16:7).
When we have committed our lives to doing God's will and pleasing him, we are assured the promise of his blessings, one of which is unshakable peace. We can also be certain that our adversary will do everything he can to cause us to doubt that we can trust in the One who promises to never leave, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:6). We must draw strength and direction from God's Word if we are to remain in his peace.
So, my day has begun; the peace and quiet have been jostled. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will remind me to do my part in keeping the peace that comes through knowing God and his Word and living it.
"The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest." Isaiah 32:17-18
"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace...." Romans 14:19
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest." Isaiah 32:17-18
"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace...." Romans 14:19
Lord, thank you for your peace that goes beyond anything I can manufacture. Thank you for your Word that provides direction for how I can live in your peace. I pray that your Holy Spirit will teach me and lead me so that I might be obedient to your Word and live in the peace that surpasses my understanding. Amen.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
It's a Choice: Know God, Know Peace
Yesterday, I came across this verse in Job: "Acquaint now yourself with Him [agree with God and show yourself to be conformed to His will] and be at peace; by that [you shall prosper and great] good shall come to you" (AMP Job 22:21). Another translation says that we should give into God and everything will turn out fine (Job 22:21). This was no coincidence; I believe the Holy Spirit allowed me to find this verse at just this moment in time to drive home a point to me - if I want peace in my life, I must choose to submit my will to God's plans and purposes. As I continued to do some study, I ran across more verses that say peace is a "work of righteousness" (Isaiah 32:17) and righteousness is the fruit of peace (James 3:18; Hebrews 12:11).
Most of us say that we want peace, but I wonder if we are asking for peace according to our standards and on our terms, or are we seeking the peace that Jesus promised (John 14:27). We don't live in a peaceful world. We are daily confronted with situations that create frustration for us. When we have to make decisions - choose one thing or another - that creates tension on some level and can upset our peace. In general, we can find ourselves in conflict with another person, our society, nature (just think 108 degrees temperatures of late), ourselves, or with God. Whether or not we have peace in those situations depends on how we choose.
Satan enjoys seeing us without peace; confusion is a by-product of his influence. Yet, we don't have to live in a state of unrest or strife. Dissension does not have to be the norm of our existence. Jesus called us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to live in peace with others (II Corinthians 13:11; I Thessalonians 5:13; Hebrews 12:14). God especially wants us to be at peace with him (Ephesians 1:2).
When we choose to walk in peace with our heavenly Father, we can be assured that we will not be overwhelmed by the daily grind and tragedies and injustices of this life (John 16:33b). God didn't say that we would be without trials, but he does promise that in the middle of the raging storms we can have peace that surpasses human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
In the times when life throws at us what we think we can't handle, we have the opportunity to learn to choose God's way over the world's.This isn't an easy step to take. We're inundated with plenty of influences and fears that encourage us to do otherwise. I am convinced, though, that if we are to know lasting peace - the kind that Daniel knew in the den of hungry lions and his Hebrew buddies knew in the middle of the fiery furnace - then we must determine to know God to know his peace.
Most of us say that we want peace, but I wonder if we are asking for peace according to our standards and on our terms, or are we seeking the peace that Jesus promised (John 14:27). We don't live in a peaceful world. We are daily confronted with situations that create frustration for us. When we have to make decisions - choose one thing or another - that creates tension on some level and can upset our peace. In general, we can find ourselves in conflict with another person, our society, nature (just think 108 degrees temperatures of late), ourselves, or with God. Whether or not we have peace in those situations depends on how we choose.
Satan enjoys seeing us without peace; confusion is a by-product of his influence. Yet, we don't have to live in a state of unrest or strife. Dissension does not have to be the norm of our existence. Jesus called us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to live in peace with others (II Corinthians 13:11; I Thessalonians 5:13; Hebrews 12:14). God especially wants us to be at peace with him (Ephesians 1:2).
When we choose to walk in peace with our heavenly Father, we can be assured that we will not be overwhelmed by the daily grind and tragedies and injustices of this life (John 16:33b). God didn't say that we would be without trials, but he does promise that in the middle of the raging storms we can have peace that surpasses human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
In the times when life throws at us what we think we can't handle, we have the opportunity to learn to choose God's way over the world's.This isn't an easy step to take. We're inundated with plenty of influences and fears that encourage us to do otherwise. I am convinced, though, that if we are to know lasting peace - the kind that Daniel knew in the den of hungry lions and his Hebrew buddies knew in the middle of the fiery furnace - then we must determine to know God to know his peace.
"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. " Romans 14:19
Lord, you are well-aware of all the things that create strife in our lives. You know sometimes we are the cause of that confusion and dissension. We know that your desire is for us to live in your peace and produce righteousness. Heavenly Father, I pray that we will seek to know you and as a result know peace within and extend peace to others. Amen.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Service: Look At Me!
Last week, I was asked to babysit my two adorable grandchildren. When I arrived, my soon-to-be 3 year old granddaughter ran over to her 4 month old brother who was happily swinging and leaned over him - fully covering him from view - and said, "Now, take a picture of us!" I had to laugh. Had I chosen to take that picture, there would have been only one sweet face - my granddaughter's - proudly expressing a "Look at me" look!
As we grow older, we really don't lose that childlike look at me desire for attention. My granddaughter's actions, while humorous, remind me of how we sometimes approach our service to God and our fellowman. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus teaches his followers about the hazards of doing their "alms" with the intent of being praised by men rather than God. The religious leaders of the day were guilty of putting on quite a show for all to see when they did their "righteous acts." Their purpose wasn't to serve others and glorify God; they sought the attention and glory for themselves. They were saying loudly and clearly, "Hey, look at me!" Jesus said that these folks earned their reward and would receive no reward from their Father in Heaven.
When we set out to serve God and others, Jesus teaches that we should not "...let your left hand know what your right hand is doing..." (Matthew 6:3). That doesn't mean what we do should result in confusion. It means that when we serve, we do these things as unto the Lord, not for our glory, but for his. We serve others and God not because we want acclaim but because we love God. Our service comes from a heart of obedience and a desire to please the One who serves us.
We have all been in situations where we have done the right thing, and it's gone unnoticed or someone else got the credit. That stings! If it happens often enough, we're inclined to quit doing the right thing. But, we have also had the wonderful experience of doing something for someone and watching or hearing how what we did "in secret" blessed that person. Jesus says that when we serve others in secret, our Father "...who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:4).
Our need to be recognized doesn't surprise God. He knows that we need attention, but he also knows that we need to have our intentions and our purposes be in line with his intentions and purposes. When we decide to be obedient to his direction for us as Christians - (see Luke 10:27; John 13:34-35; John 14:15; 15:14) - we will serve whether or not we are recognized by people. Our prayer should be that we do so without a desire for the spotlight to shine on us but rather that all glory is given to God.
We may never receive accolades while on earth, but our promise from our heavenly Father is that we will receive rewards in eternity (Matthew 16:27; Matthew 10:42; I Cor. 3:8,14; II Tim. 4:7-8; Rev. 22:12). As we live our faith, may we serve as unto the Lord so that on that day when we see him face to face, we will with the exuberance and joy of a child say, "Look at me!" when we hear our Father say, "Well done!"
As we grow older, we really don't lose that childlike look at me desire for attention. My granddaughter's actions, while humorous, remind me of how we sometimes approach our service to God and our fellowman. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus teaches his followers about the hazards of doing their "alms" with the intent of being praised by men rather than God. The religious leaders of the day were guilty of putting on quite a show for all to see when they did their "righteous acts." Their purpose wasn't to serve others and glorify God; they sought the attention and glory for themselves. They were saying loudly and clearly, "Hey, look at me!" Jesus said that these folks earned their reward and would receive no reward from their Father in Heaven.
When we set out to serve God and others, Jesus teaches that we should not "...let your left hand know what your right hand is doing..." (Matthew 6:3). That doesn't mean what we do should result in confusion. It means that when we serve, we do these things as unto the Lord, not for our glory, but for his. We serve others and God not because we want acclaim but because we love God. Our service comes from a heart of obedience and a desire to please the One who serves us.
We have all been in situations where we have done the right thing, and it's gone unnoticed or someone else got the credit. That stings! If it happens often enough, we're inclined to quit doing the right thing. But, we have also had the wonderful experience of doing something for someone and watching or hearing how what we did "in secret" blessed that person. Jesus says that when we serve others in secret, our Father "...who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:4).
Our need to be recognized doesn't surprise God. He knows that we need attention, but he also knows that we need to have our intentions and our purposes be in line with his intentions and purposes. When we decide to be obedient to his direction for us as Christians - (see Luke 10:27; John 13:34-35; John 14:15; 15:14) - we will serve whether or not we are recognized by people. Our prayer should be that we do so without a desire for the spotlight to shine on us but rather that all glory is given to God.
We may never receive accolades while on earth, but our promise from our heavenly Father is that we will receive rewards in eternity (Matthew 16:27; Matthew 10:42; I Cor. 3:8,14; II Tim. 4:7-8; Rev. 22:12). As we live our faith, may we serve as unto the Lord so that on that day when we see him face to face, we will with the exuberance and joy of a child say, "Look at me!" when we hear our Father say, "Well done!"
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men..." Ephesians 6:7
Lord, I don't like to admit it, but I have a big ego! I want people to see the good things I do and give me attention for them. Please help me to stay humble, to follow your example, and serve you and others so that you receive the glory and not me. Thank you for understanding the human heart and for patiently working with us to develop in us your ways. Amen.
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| Eastside Community Church |
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Service: It's a Dirty Job, but Someone's Got to Do It!
When I was growing up, I had many "opportunities" to participate in good old fashioned "feet washing" services. Generally, this took place during another church tradition - the dreaded "Watch Night Service," where the saints gathered on New Year's Eve to send out the old year and focus on the Lord's return by getting our lives right with Him. As a kid and teenager, I honestly did not look forward to any of this. I was creeped out by having to wash some older lady's feet, and I was scared to death that Jesus was coming back when I had so much more living to do! Just the thought of the old hymn "He's Coming Soon" still sends shivers up my spine!
But I'm all grown up now and have many years of perspective on what the saints of the church were doing back in the day, especially in regard to washing each others' feet - they were following the example set by Jesus - and just as I can vividly recall how I felt as we watched for Jesus' return, I have very distinct and lasting impressions of what happened when folks bowed before each other and washed the feet of individuals with whom they lived life on a daily basis. The men and women were separated during this time. I remember how something in the room changed as we prepared for this sacred ceremony. These women became so broken before each other and before the Lord as they knelt over their sisters' feet and wept and prayed for them. It was humbling to have their feet washed by another and to in turn, wash that person's feet. All pretense went by the wayside as they followed the Lord in this act of service and love. My memories are clear of these times. As they followed the example of Jesus, the Holy Spirit came into that place and met with them in a powerful way. No one left unchanged. They left prepared to watch and pray (Matthew 25:13; Mark 14:38) and continue to serve their Lord.
In John 13, Jesus shares Passover with his disciples. He knows that in a few short hours, he will be crucified and that his return to Heaven is imminent. He knows that in his midst is one who will betray him, and he knows that the other men with whom he's shared life will run, fearful of being associated with him in his death. He knows all this and still he serves each of them by washing their feet, a job that is reserved for a servant. Peter protests (John 13:6,7) because he doesn't understand the significance of Jesus' act. Jesus reminds his disciples - and that includes any of us claiming to be followers of Christ - that they are to follow his example (Matthew 13:15) of humility and service to others. John 13 ends with Jesus saying, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (v. 34-35).
As Christians we often struggle with the notion that we are sent to serve (John 13:16), and I wonder if we sometimes forget that our service is to extend to our brothers and sisters in Christ - the Church. Not only are we to show Christ's love to the sinner, we are to pour out that love on each other as believers. We are admonished throughout the New Testament to support each other in love (I John 4: 11; I John 3:18; I Corinthians 13:1; Colossians 3:12-17; Philippians 2:1-4; Ephesians 5:1-2). When we fail to show God's love to those whom we call brother and sister, we send a strong message to those who don't know the Lord, and we tear down the work of the Church. We are disobedient.
I can't say that I love the thought of humbling myself to do the job of a servant, but if I am to be like Christ (aka Christian), then that's exactly what I am going to do. I will put others before myself and be obedient to the One who I am called to serve.
Satisfaction comes when we do a job well, especially if the task before us seems particularly unappealing. As individuals who have chosen to serve God, we will only know the peace and joy He promises when we discipline ourselves to follow his example and serve. The reward of genuine heart-felt service to others is knowing God's blessings (John 13:17; James 1:25).
But I'm all grown up now and have many years of perspective on what the saints of the church were doing back in the day, especially in regard to washing each others' feet - they were following the example set by Jesus - and just as I can vividly recall how I felt as we watched for Jesus' return, I have very distinct and lasting impressions of what happened when folks bowed before each other and washed the feet of individuals with whom they lived life on a daily basis. The men and women were separated during this time. I remember how something in the room changed as we prepared for this sacred ceremony. These women became so broken before each other and before the Lord as they knelt over their sisters' feet and wept and prayed for them. It was humbling to have their feet washed by another and to in turn, wash that person's feet. All pretense went by the wayside as they followed the Lord in this act of service and love. My memories are clear of these times. As they followed the example of Jesus, the Holy Spirit came into that place and met with them in a powerful way. No one left unchanged. They left prepared to watch and pray (Matthew 25:13; Mark 14:38) and continue to serve their Lord.
In John 13, Jesus shares Passover with his disciples. He knows that in a few short hours, he will be crucified and that his return to Heaven is imminent. He knows that in his midst is one who will betray him, and he knows that the other men with whom he's shared life will run, fearful of being associated with him in his death. He knows all this and still he serves each of them by washing their feet, a job that is reserved for a servant. Peter protests (John 13:6,7) because he doesn't understand the significance of Jesus' act. Jesus reminds his disciples - and that includes any of us claiming to be followers of Christ - that they are to follow his example (Matthew 13:15) of humility and service to others. John 13 ends with Jesus saying, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (v. 34-35).
As Christians we often struggle with the notion that we are sent to serve (John 13:16), and I wonder if we sometimes forget that our service is to extend to our brothers and sisters in Christ - the Church. Not only are we to show Christ's love to the sinner, we are to pour out that love on each other as believers. We are admonished throughout the New Testament to support each other in love (I John 4: 11; I John 3:18; I Corinthians 13:1; Colossians 3:12-17; Philippians 2:1-4; Ephesians 5:1-2). When we fail to show God's love to those whom we call brother and sister, we send a strong message to those who don't know the Lord, and we tear down the work of the Church. We are disobedient.
I can't say that I love the thought of humbling myself to do the job of a servant, but if I am to be like Christ (aka Christian), then that's exactly what I am going to do. I will put others before myself and be obedient to the One who I am called to serve.
Satisfaction comes when we do a job well, especially if the task before us seems particularly unappealing. As individuals who have chosen to serve God, we will only know the peace and joy He promises when we discipline ourselves to follow his example and serve. The reward of genuine heart-felt service to others is knowing God's blessings (John 13:17; James 1:25).
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men...." Ephesians 6:7
Lord, this whole notion of being a servant runs counter to my nature, yet I know you set the example, and you have made it clear that if I am to be your disciple, I will follow your example and serve. Please help me to be ever aware of opportunities to show your love to others - those who know you and those you don't. I pray that people will be able to see you in me and that you will be glorified. May my life honor you. Amen.
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