Too Good

TITLE: Too Good
DATE:  October 15, 2019
Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.
TEXT:  John 13: 5-8 – ESV -he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
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The Holy Spirit has given us gifts so that we can glorify Jesus.

That is the way it is supposed to work but there are many times when the devil inserts himself and the thought that we ourselves are the ones who should be glorified. The end result is that our ego goes amuck.

There are some who would say that is what happened to Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria.

When he went to a great occasion, and important occasion it was has custom to have himself sewn into his uniform. That was his way of making sure that there would not be a single crease to mar his appearance.

The Archduke was wearing one of these "sewn-on uniforms" when he was shot in Sarajevo, on June 28, 1914. Those trying to help him, found that they couldn't unbutton his uniform. By the time a scissors was procured, it was too late.
The Archduke had bled to death and World War I had begun.
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In the text above you can see that Peter, like the Archduke, was worried about appearances. He was fully aware that Jesus, His Teacher, was doing a task which was assigned to the lowest of a household’s slaves

Now you will notice that while Peter objects to Jesus washing his feet, he doesn’t volunteer to take up towel and basin and do some feet washing of his own. Although there might be many reasons brought forth to explain away Peter’s  refusal and reluctance, I have to believe Peter felt he was too prestigious to perform such a humble act for others.

Now this is not the one and only time I have seen someone refuse to do something because it is below his pay-grade.

I have seen parents ask their children to pick something up, and the reply is “Why do  have to I didn’t make the mess”.

When I was Pastor of a church there were far too many times I saw simple jobs and thankless positions left unfilled because so many folks believed they were above being a Sunday School Teacher or work for a few days with Vacation Bible School. And if you really wanted to see people scurry ask them to lead the Congregation’s Every Member Visit and Pledge Sunday.

Would it not be better for us to set aside our vanity and become  humble servant as the Savior was? Washing feet, touching a leper, dying on a cross, it was all part of the plan which showed us God’s grace., offered us forgiveness and a place in heaven.

THE PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, You showed us  how to serve when You gave Yourself for humanity.  No job was too small to be left undone. Help me follow You and humbly serve others. In Your Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html