Oh, To Be Like Thee!

Daily Reading: John 13

Scripture Focus: Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. O (John 13.3-5)

Devotional Thought: How was Jesus able to lay aside his rights so freely when he washed the disciples' feet?  He knew...

• The present: The Father had put all things under his power.  Jesus did not have to assert his power, or to protect it.  God himself had authorized and empowered him.  We, too, have been given authority and power by God.  Realizing this, we don’t have to grasp and grapple.  We are set free to serve in the humblest ways.

• The past: Jesus had come from God.  Jesus knew his roots.  He was of “royal” descent.  It didn’t matter what he did; nothing would change that.  No matter how menial the task, he was still the Son of the Father.  No matter how it may have looked to others, he knew that God’s approval was on him.  When we realize that we are God’s children, we can drop all the games we play in the attempt to impress others.  The humblest service takes on the highest honor when performed by a child of a king!

• The future: Jesus was returning to God.  The power was his in the present.  His origins represented the past.  But, he also was assured of a glorious future!  He was only passing through this world.  He had a mission to accomplish, and then he would return to heaven, where he would be at the right hand of his Father forever and ever.  Knowing our final destiny makes today’s humility take on a deeper significance.

Prayer: "Oh to be like Thee!  Oh to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art.  Come in thy sweetness; come in thy fullness.  Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart."  Amen.  (Thomas O. Chisholm)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 36.7-12

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.

10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart!

11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12 There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise.