John 13:1-11
Be Still: Father God, soften my heart by your Holy Spirit that I may grasp and live this day within the immense love you have toward me in Christ. Amen
Read: John 13:1-11
Then, Lord,' Simon Peter replied, 'not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!' (v9)
Encounter: As a kid I loved getting my feet measured for new school shoes. They had this weird measuring device and I loved seeing whether my foot had grown and by how much! But most people wouldn't be keen having their feet measured at a meal, never mind washed!
This is how Simon Peter felt – but intensified! It wasn’t just anyone but the Lord himself proposing to wash Simon Peter’s feet! Peter shouts out a big ‘No' but Jesus answers 'unless I wash you, you have no part with me'. Earlier John tells us that Jesus loved his disciples 'to the end'. Washing their feet is pre-crucifixion proof of his love for them. That is why it’s so important Peter accepts the washing.
Here is a moment we see the extraordinary love of God, through his son Jesus. God loves us so much that he wants us wholly surrendered to his love. There is no ‘one foot in, one foot out’. Receiving his love is critical to living out our calling to be his witnesses. Yet, how often do we accidently, or on purpose, say ‘NO’ to God’s love by choosing our own way, or not spending time with him daily?
Today’s passage makes me want to eradicate from my life any kind of ‘no’ to the Lord’s love for me. It makes me instead want to leap two-footed into God’s plans for my life, just like Peter who exclaims: 'Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!'
Apply: Is there some way you've been saying ‘No’ to the Lord recently? Do you feel a lack of his ‘love’ in your life? Perhaps it’s time to focus on giving him everything again, turning to him and allowing his love to ‘wash’ you entirely.
Devote: Lord, I’m sorry where I have whispered or shouted ‘No’ to your love for me and your will for my life. I turn back to you today and say ‘Yes’ to your great love for me in Jesus. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you that your love is my life’s foundation.