John 13 - At Just the Right Time
Our job is to be humble and to serve Jesus well. Trust God’s timing. Your time will come (1 Peter 5:6). I was wondering about God’s care and love this morning. It was an odd week, highs and lows. And God reminded me through this picture of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet that He does indeed love me. He cares for us beyond measure. And gives us all we need.
We read in this passage Jesus' mindset of being certain of His authority and His confidence in who He was and where He was going (13:3). We are servants of Jesus, not the other way around. God is not our Genie or tool to get what we want in this world. No, He is our Master, and we, His messengers. We are reminded of God’s love for us in this passage as we, like the Apostles before us, are called to humble obedience.
True authority is from the Father. We see lots of authority in this world and lots of authority abused and lorded over others. It’s a travesty when we as the Church boast and preen and strut. The Good Shepherd calls us not to be roosters, but good, faithful, humble servants of the Most High. Jesus knew the Father gave Him authority over everything and that He had come from God and would return to God (13:3). Jesus was just about to be betrayed by one of His followers and to go to the Cross to die. But He showed no fear or worry. Likewise, we too are to give all of our cares and worries to God and know for certain that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
I yearn for clear direction from God so that I know what my authority is, to whom I am responsible, for what I am here for, and to know where I will go after this life. But as I think about it I’m reminded that we have from Scripture more than enough light. Do we truly lack and need more to know and do the purpose and meaning of our lives? We speculate and pine and worry. And overcomplicate. But God has us in a place for a reason and a season.
I am a son, a brother, a husband, a dad, a grandpa, and a child of God. I am educated and trained in a vocation. I think we underestimate our ability to work for God. The church too needs DOGE (the English certainly had their own Department of Church Efficiency in the 16th century - house cleaning can be messy work). We truly lack little. I have coffee in my cup, breath in my lungs, and ink in my pen. Do I need more to know how much God loves me and that He has a role for me? Do you? Can we not trust God and His timing? Has He not promised us eternity?
I’m reminded this morning of how young Jesus was when He went to the Cross. It’s a grand understatement to say the Son of Man led His men well. But He did. Jesus showed them how much He loved them. Yes, He was their Teacher and Master. But He was much more. He was their friend, their dear friend. Jesus is also our example of how to love, serve, and pass on His Grace.
So, I suspect you too had a tough week. Let’s get our heads screwed on straight today, Sunday. Then, care for the flock God has entrusted to you. Maybe it’s just you right now or your wife. So be it. But I expect your influence and care goes far beyond what you think. We are to serve each other in humility. Dads, that’s you. Husbands, that’s you. Watch over those God has entrusted to you willingly. Not grudgingly. Not for what you will get out of it! But because you are eager to serve God (1 Peter 5:2).
Lord Jesus, this morning we look at Your example and we are humbled. Please forgive us for failing to use our authority as You’ve designed and commanded.
We know You loved Your men. You showed them by washing their feet, making them clean and pure. You showed them by dying on the Cross for their sins. And ours. You always lead in humility and by example.
And we know You love us. We humble ourselves under Your mighty power and ask Your forgiveness for our sins. Please bless our families, our nation, and our work. You alone Jesus are our Firm Foundation, our Teacher, and our Lord. Amen.
Comments