Dear Friends,
Have you ever participated
in a foot washing service?
While some churches will celebrate
communion on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday), they may also
offer a foot washing service commemorating the time when Jesus washed the feet
of his disciples before going to the cross.
A foot
washing service provides a powerful reminder of what Christians are called
to be-humble servants of the our Lord and Savior who did not consider equality
with God as something to be grasped but instead emptied himself by assuming the
form of a slave, and taking on the likeness of men, He humbled himself by
becoming obedient to the point of death- even to death on a cross.
(Philippians 2:5-8)
Years ago, I remember
leading a foot washing service for our elders in a church I pastored. We
gathered in the sanctuary for a time of prayer and then proceeded to washing one
another's feet. I clearly felt the Holy Spirit directing me to lead this
service, but I confess I was a bit uncomfortable because it was foreign
to our church's worship tradition, and I knew some participating would be
uncomfortable and might even be critical of my actions.
As I look back on that
time together, I remember it as being one of the most meaningful acts of
worship in which I had ever participated, and I know that many of those elders
felt the same way too.
In John 13:1-17 we read
about this same service that took place in the upper room during the Last
Supper of our Lord.
This was the last night
Jesus spent with his disciples before going to the cross. During that time when
He washed the feet of His disciples, He provided a powerful visual reminder of
the humility and servant spirt He wanted His disciples to exhibit.
During that time, Jesus
addressed the prideful behavior of some of those disciples by reminding them
that He came to earth not as a King and Conqueror but as a suffering servant
who said, "I am among you as one who serves."
His attitude contrasted
with the attitude of some of those disciples who had been pridefully arguing
about who among them was the greatest disciple. (Luke 22:24)
As I reflect on this
example, while also observing our divided nation and the hatred and hostility
being expressed by many of our political leaders, I think it might be just the
time for a good old congressional foot washing service.
Can you imagine what
positive changes might result if those on both sides of the aisle would humble
themselves and begin washing one another’s feet?
I know how preposterous
the thought is of anything like this ever happening, but one can always hope
for such a spirit to capture the hearts of our nation's leaders.
Regardless of our own
political persuasion, we as believers must not parrot the behavior of some of
our leaders who seem far more interested in criticizing one another and
tearing one another down than lifting one another up.
You and I are not innocent of this behavior.
Unfortunately, we may bear some of the responsibility for the political warfare
that has fractured and divided our nation.
There should be no place
in our lives for selfish and prideful behavior and for nasty and demeaning
rhetoric. Such actions are despicable and threaten the very fabric of our faith
and friendships.
When Jesus finished
washing the feet of those disciples, He told them, and us as well ,that 'I have
given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John
13:15)
How refreshing it would be
if we all bowed down and willingly began washing one another’s feet, while
at the same time asking the Holy Spirit to scrub our hearts of any hatred or
animosity that we might harbor toward those who would oppose us.
You and I as Christ's
followers, those who are saved and sanctified by His precious blood, need to
eradicate any prideful behavior that might separates us from one another,
grab a towel and basin, and humbly begin to do some of our own foot washing.
Only God knows what might
happen if we did this, but one thing I do know that is certain is that God
would be pleased, and that’s enough for me.
Yours in faith and
friendship,
Tom
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