Thursday, October 20, 2011

Foundations October 21, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Numbers 25-26
SCRIPTURE READING

John 13:8 (ESV); If I do not wash you, you have no share with Me.

A footwashing is a humbling experience. A proud person cannot kneel down in front of another,
remove their shoes and socks and wash their feet. You would assume that this position is the more
humbling of the two, but to sit quietly while another kneels at your own feet is equally humbling.
The moment someone else humbles themselves to such a lowly position before you, your own
unworthiness is felt. It can be awkward, painful even, to sit through the process, but it is revelatory. In
those moments, we feel our inadequacy and see our unholiness, but it is good to face these things.
The one who says, “Oh no, get up! You can’t do this to me; I’m not worthy.” is covering up her shame
with the pretention of humility – false humility; pride.
This was the disciple’s attitude when Jesus knelt to wash his feet. Peter said, “No Lord! I will never
let you do it!” But Jesus’ action was a symbol of what was to come. “You don’t get it right now Peter,
but soon you will understand why I am doing this.” Jesus’ humble posture before His disciples
offered more than an illumination of their sin. As the Son of Man kneeling before sinful man, Jesus
was demonstrating on their physical bodies what He would do for their spiritual bodies in the days to
come! Looking back on the memory after Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into heaven, the
disciples must have been mesmerized! “How did we miss this awesome revelation?” they must have
thought!
If we do not allow Jesus to wash us, we have no share with Him, no part in His eternal inheritance
as sons and daughters of God. Are you too proud to let Jesus wash you? Are you claiming your sin
is too severe; your confessions too maxed out to receive the cleansing power of the blood of Christ?
This is pride. Allow Christ to wash you. Confess, even if it is the hundredth time this week. Repent
and turn from your sin and thank Him for His mercy. He is good.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Can you imagine yourself in the disciple’s position? If Jesus physically came and knelt before
you today, what do you think your response would be? Would you allow Him to wash your feet?
2. Ask the Spirit to show you if you have covered up your pride with false humility. Confess these
times to Him.