01/09/2021
Do we say we have resolved ourselves to love and worship God with all of our heart, soul, body, and strength? If so then how is it that we can be arrogant, bitter, full of jealousy, and the other things that set us apart from Him? Do we say that Jesus is our Lord, and that we will be as He is, and obey His every commandment? If so then how can we not wash the feet of those who will betray us as Jesus did, feed the lambs of Christ, or turn the other cheek to our enemies? In this way we say one thing, and yet we do another... who are we?
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”
Psalm 73:25 ESV
I was watching a television show the other day that was supposed to be espousing Christian values, and in it a little girl who had very little means was being mistreated by another girl who was wealthy, had fine clothes, and was privileged in every way. This part of the show didn’t surprise me because we see this in real life every day; no, what disturbed me was that in the end when good had triumphed over evil, and the poor little girl came out on top despite her station in life, she began laughing at, and mocking, the wealthy girl. Suddenly what had been a lesson in Christian virtues, and morality, suddenly became just another lesson about the state of our fallen world.
Are we guilty of such things in our lives? When the Lord Jesus clothes us in His righteousness, do we immediately ruin our new garments by staining them with the sin of the world once more? Do we scoff at those we should be praying for, or walk away from the lost souls that had previously lashed out at us because we have judged them to be guilty and unworthy of not only our forgiveness, but God’s as well?
““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
Matthew 5:43-44 ESV
Today in the United States, and around the world, there is much discord, and people of faith on both sides of nearly every issue have forgotten some of the basic tenets of their faith... forgiveness, and loving their neighbor. Suddenly we have come to judge one another viciously, and have abandoned the notion that we should wash the feet, and treat our enemies with love... praying for them as we do so. Jesus washed the feet of Peter even though he knew that Peter would soon deny Him, and He also washed the feet of Judus who in a short time would betray Him to His death... Do we follow His example?
“Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.””
John 13:10-11 ESV
Then, in His final few moments of life, Jesus prayed that those who were putting Him to death; asking that they be forgiven. Do you remember His words?
“And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”
Luke 23:34 ESV
So who are we when Jesus washes our feet, are we truly clean? And who are we when Jesus prays that God forgive? Are we standing with Mary and John, or have we become part of the crowd? More than this... are we claiming to be following the law as we stone sinners, and yet face chastisement by Jesus as He tells us that if we are without sin we should cast the first stone?
“And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” ]]”
Today is a perfect day for introspection, and for us to ask ourselves the hard questions about our faith. Is bitterness gnawing away at us? Do we feel more or less righteous when we lash out, or condemn someone by exercising our vindictiveness, and holding back our forgiveness? Questions such as these, and so many others, might hurt when we honestly answer them, but they also can save our very souls. Let’s look into ourselves today, and search for the likeness of Jesus, and the image of God.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Word, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for their power to convict us as we work towards righteousness, and seek salvation as we obey you in our desire to be set apart as your children. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sent your Holy Son to redeem us while we were yet sinners. We praise your name Father for your mercy and grace which Jesus pours over us even as we behave in undeserving fashion. Help us Lord to pray for those who are yet to know you, and to forgive those who mistreat us. Open our eyes Father to our own faults as we judge others, and teach us to drop our stones, walk away, and ask your forgiveness, when we find ourselves judging those that only you should judge. Cleanse us body, soul, and even feet, with the blood of Jesus as we kneel in our tears of contrition, and see only His perfection in us as we stand in judgement before you. Seat us at your table Father, and let us live eternally in your presence. Praised be your name always, and forever.
Rich Forbes