Today’s scripture: John 13:1-17 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
The act of washing another’s feet doesn’t sound very fun, does it — especially in those days of long walks and sandals! And they certainly couldn’t don a pair of latex gloves for the task! Seriously though, I think Jesus’ exemplary act was about much more than washing feet. It symbolized any sacrificial acts of service we can do for one another.
A great example of this involves Jada Daves and her son, Shafer. Nooga.com tells the story of Jada donating one of her kidneys to Shafer, who, at 20 months of age, was forced to undergo eleven hours per day of peritoneal dialysis, receiving most of his nutrition from a feeding tube. Shafer is now living a virtually normal, healthy life, thanks to his mother. Jada and her husband Kevin’s four other children are so inspired by what happened to their brother, that they are planning to follow in their mother’s footsteps and also become donors. Sacrifice serves as a powerful example to others!
The more ordinary acts of service are important, too, such as when we go out of our way to help someone when we’d rather get a few of our own chores done, and then be free to relax. Or, when we lend a friend some money when it stretches our budget to do so. Or, we actively listen to someone when we’re exhausted and feel like our mind desperately needs a rest.
The following song describes the motivation for sacrificial giving beautifully:
You Don’t Count the Cost, by Billy Dean
Thought for the day: Lord, what opportunities will come my way this week to impact someone else’s life for the better?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.