John 13:1-17 NIV
1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.[a] 2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
11For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
11For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
I know this was alot of a verse to read but last sunday our sweet new pastor preached on these words.
Jesus went to Judas {knowing he would betray him only a few short hours later} knelt before him and graciously cleaned his feet.
When was the last time you went to someone and even though they betrayed you, you knelt before them and continued to willing serve. Knowing they would still deny you.
Many people in blogland have spoken about losing friends and the hurt it brings.
Trust me, it has happened over and over and when i think its done it happens again.
People I thought the world of, loved despite their faults, they just blatantly ignored my knocks at their door, my calls, and emails.
The lord says continue to wash their feet, continue to love, even if like Peter, they deny you three times.
Wash their feet, and love them anyway.
You see no matter what the circumstance the Lord is Preparing a Place.
Whether it be a place in your heart, or your home, he is preparing.
What comforting words, to remind me when I want to be quick to anger.
That is not for me to do. The lord will handle that on judgement day, but continue to love and serve, and think kind thoughts, and pray for whatever place he is preparing.
May it be a child.....
a rekindled friendship...
a job..
a loved one....
He has prepared that place for you, but it is our job to walk as he did and serve others.
Hope these words bring some encouragement to your day.
So many times i want to throw my hands in the air and say " I am threw being the nice guy!!" The the soft whispers of the lord say, not yet, I am not done working on you, and through you.
He is Preparing a Place.
