Summer Sandals

It's finally summer. Hurrah! Like many, I brought out my brand-new sandals bought last year at a closeout. How I rejoiced in cool comfort! Then, "flip flopping" along, out to the garden I went.

How good it felt to dig my fingers into the cool soil. How hard I tugged to pull weeds! But, all in all, I had a great time.

Back in the house, I shed my new sandals, but they weren't looking very new. Then, I looked at my feet! Ugh! They were filthy dirty. So off to the washroom I went to draw a basin of water and wash them. Then, I took a towel to dry them off. As I worked, I was reminded of our Lord's service for His disciples at the Last Supper.

John 13:5 – 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. (NIV)

There had been no-one to wash my feet, so I did it myself. Likewise, no-one came forward to wash the Lord's feet, as protocol required. Therefore, our Lord gave His disciples a lesson in servanthood. Taking a towel and wrapping it around His waist, He went from disciple to disciple washing each one's feet. Jesus undertook the lowliest of jobs, usually performed by a slave. When He had finished, He explained Himself.

John 13:12b-15,17 – "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord', and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (NIV)

Prayer: Lord God, You astound us with Your humility. Where we strut, You knelt. Forgive us, Lord, for not doing as You did. Grace us with humility. May we pick up our towels, grab a basin and wash one another's feet — as You have done. For we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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