"Foot Washing"

The sanctuary was filled with the weeping of women as they lifted their hands to the only One who could bring comfort and healing; almost in unison, we cried out to Him.  In our unique ways, each female voice beckoned Him closer- soft whispers, urgent cries, silent thoughts, echoing wails.   The Deliverer.  He heard every need and every pleading heart.  

The sound of water running through fingers and gently falling into a basin while women, young and old, knelt and served one another.  It was a humble time of servitude in the calm of a sanctuary filled with His presence.  The oldest cleansed the youngest feet, and the youngest bowed to cleanse the eldest feet.  Prayers of love, guidance, and protection emit from the mouths of saints.  

I have always loved the beauty in the verses that detail Jesus kneeling at the feet of His disciples.  The great King kneeling before men and washing their feet.  We understand the truth behind the symbolism of God incarnate bowing before His creation and cleansing their feet.  How humble, how loving, how selfless and giving…  But not until last Sunday night did God confirm to me that the literal action of performing this deed is just as important and necessary in the church today as the symbolic ideals associated with the act.

The act itself is very personal.  Walls are stripped away through this action.  There is a common link binding each person to the other person and the next person. Through this act alone, the body of Christ is strengthened.  There is a presence of trust that encompasses the room.  My feet are being handled and cleansed and delicately dried by someone other than myself.  Is this not why He did it?  The act of washing someone else’s feet and having yours washed creates a gentle dependence yet a steadfast bond -  Unity.  Is this not what He has called us to do?  Are we not to wash one another’s feet - literally and symbolically?    

To see young girls - 6 years old and younger eagerly sit before their elders with an innocent smile and a willing heart - towel in lap and hands in basin.  Oh, how we can learn so much from the innocence of children.  

And to hear sounds of male voices in the adjoining room calling out to Him - their Redeemer - as they, too, bow before one another in humble servitude.  United, not by worldly entertainment - but by HIM.    The shouts of “Glory!” are not for a touchdown earned - No, but for a soul delivered!  An Almighty God who is near - a freedom that only Christ can provide.  Is this not the true bond of disciples IN Christ?  

Men. Real men whose praises in those moments echo through the sanctuary.  Is this not what Jesus intended?  Yes.

Hearing my husband speak of my son’s actions during the sacred “foot washing” makes my heart grow.  Humility of self and faith in action - Is this not why He taught and performed this?  Does this act not teach us more about Christ than the act of opening presents to self on Christmas morning?  How better to teach our children true denial of self and service to others through and in Christ Jesus . . .  bowing in servitude - washing, drying, caring, loving…

Shoes off and feet washed - hand in hand- a circle of prayer. 

 A bond of peace 

 A Spirit of unity.  

John 13:

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.