Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 20, 2014
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” John 13:8-9
Daily our soul is soiled by the residue of the world. Pride leaves its fingerprints on our minds. Lust rubs up against our hearts and selfish taking taints our motives. Self reliance dirties our will and anger’s grimy film covers our emotions. Yes, in Christ, we are saved from eternal condemnation for our sin, but in this life we still deal with the daily contamination of sin. Our willingness to receive Christ’s regular cleansing reflects a humble heart in need of more grace.
Peter had a pride problem. He was uncomfortable with Jesus serving him in such a lowly fashion. However, Jesus knew the lesson of humility is best learned by doing humble acts. Smelly feet were kept clean by a sensitive servant who could throughly wash them. Jesus illustrated His ability to forgive and cleanse a sinful heart. He also modeled the servant behavior of a life submitted to Him. Indeed, Jesus cleanses us, so we are free to care for soiled souls.
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
Is Christ’s cleansing part of your daily routine? How do you care for others who meander through a messy life? The power of pure living uniquely positions us to humbly serve. Yes, we serve out of our recurring struggles, not out of a feeling of superiority. We are all fellow strugglers in need of our Savior Jesus Christ. Those of us who have lived longer have just made more mistakes! Though some will suspiciously resist our sincere deeds, others will gratefully find relief. So we keep showing up to display the love of God. Service soils us to be cleansed by Christ.
What a clean feeling to be washed by the soap of our Savior’s forgiveness. A freshly cleansed soul smells sweet and attractive to anyone with spiritual sensitivity. Like a refreshing shower after being outside on a hot summer day, we smell and look refreshed. Just as our body needs daily hygiene, so much more does our soul need daily hygiene from heaven. Thus, we are cleansed to care. Christ cleans our hearts so we are able to serve other soiled souls. Do not grow weary in doing well. God is an expert in cleaning up messy lives. Just show up!
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9, KJV).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, cleanse my heart so I can better serve other hearts who need You.
Related Readings: Psalm 126:5; Luke 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 4:1; Colossians 2:18, 23
Post/Tweet today: In Christ, we are saved from eternal condemnation for our sin, but we still deal with the daily contamination of sin. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 4 min video depicting Jesus washing Peter’s feet- http://bit.ly/UiXh27
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