June 4 “Demonstrating Servanthood” John 13:14
REMEMBER Vacation Bible School: Volunteer Meeting, June 12th at BTC, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ~ Kick-off July 10th, 3:00 -4:30pm ~ VBS: July 15th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm~ July 16th, 9:00am – 2:00pm
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
(I am not suggesting that you wash my feet, however, I am suggesting that we need a “servant’s heart” for service!)
Many years ago, while attending a Sunday Night service, at my grandmother’s church, I experienced a real “Foot Washing Service!” Now, let me tell you right now, this was a totally new and slightly unnerving experience. I was paired with an older man and when he revealed his feet, I was appalled. His feet were rough and ragged, and his nails were long and yellow, and I was wondering how I was going to get out of this. The young Pastor noticed that I was having some difficulty with this new experience, and he came over and asked me if I was ok. Well, the fact was that I was not ok! I whispered to him, “I don’t think that I can do this. Look at his feet!” His response was priceless! He said, “It’s not the condition of his feet, it is the condition of your heart!” In biblical times, most people’s feet were dirty and dusty, because they walked everywhere that they went. It was a demonstration of hospitality to visitors, to wash their feet as they entered the home. The job of washing feet was left for the lowest of servants. After the meal was completed, Jesus began to wash the feet of His Disciples. In the Upper Room, on that faithful night, not one of the Disciples volunteered to wash anyone’s feet. Jesus was still teaching a lesson, and this did not stop Him from washing their feet. Jesus’ purpose in washing the Disciple’s feet was to demonstrate love and for the Disciples to recognize the role of servanthood. He was demonstrating that the Christian Life requires the surrender and the giving of ourselves in service to others. The reality of the message is that LOVE REQUIRES ACTION! Genuine faith and real love will always lead to godly actions. Yes, I washed that old man’s feet, and I did it while saying to myself, “Lord, if you washed feet, who am I to say no way!” That experience has stayed with me, and it has helped me to realize my role in sharing Jesus and living for Him, in humility and service. Interesting Fact: The word “LEADER” is found 6 times in the Bible and the word “SERVANT” is found 900 times in the Bible. That should indicate the importance of serving others and to lead by example. Are you being a servant to others? Folks, once again, what God does with you is entirely up to you! It always has and it always will! I am not suggesting that you wash my feet, however, just as that young Pastor, so many years ago, told me… “It’s not the condition of his feet, it is the condition of your heart!” We must be in an attitude of servanthood if we are to walk in obedience! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!