Mar. 13, 2009 - Stinky Feet
As we're reading through Journey To the Cross for Easter, we came upon the passage where JESUS is eating the Passover meal. This is just hours before the hardest moments in HIS life, and HE knew it. HIS mind does not appear to be consumed with HIS looming trial; mine definitely, absolutely would be. No, HE still has the presence of mind to serve others, to teach, to deal lovingly with HIS "enemy" (Judas). Not only is HE not preoccupied, but HE has the wherewithall to pour out HIS life even though in just hours HE will literally be doing just that. Instead of begging for pity (as I would be), HE becomes even more vulnerable. HE rises when HE could be served, HE bares HIMSELF (humility/vulnerability), and HE serves. But HE doesn't just serve, HE chooses to serve in the lowest capacity. In a few hours, HE will be suffering horribly! HE will be in immense pain! HE will be unjustly blamed/comvicted. HE will be humiliated and shamed before all. HE will die a criminal's death even though HE is royalty. Even still, HE CHOOSES to do the lowest, nastiest job possible. HE does what no one else wants to do. It was customary in those days to have the lowest servant to come and wash their stinky, dirty feet as they entered a house. Complete with dirt, sweat, and animal excrement, they would enter a home. As most walked barefoot or with flimsy sandals, I can only imagine the condition of feet in those days. Ragged, calloused, dirty, smelly. I don't know if you've ever done a foot washing, but I have done it once or twice, and it was humbling enough, and their feet were clean. HE not only did it, but HE did it twelve times. Not only that, but HE did it to the one who would betray HIM. To me, this passage spoke to me about serving my kids. Am I willing to serve them even though they don't get it? Am I willing to do the little things no one else wants to do? Am I willing to shed my "rightful" position and become as the lowest? Am I willing to set aside my agenda to serve them in their obliviousness? LORD, help me to wash my children's feet, my husband's feet. May I not be so consumed with my "rightful" place, my agenda, what is looming ahead, my trials and woes that I am not willing to serve. I can tell YOU my heart is hard. Open my eyes that I might see. May I rise that I might kneel.
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