Wash Their Feet

Washing feet. Not a glamorous job. But a job worthy of the King of Kings to perform with love and humility.

But there’s more. He then admonishes us to be like Him. “Oh Lord, I want to be like you…I really do”, we say. He replies, “then wash their feet“.

“No, I mean I want an honorable ministry….ya know, one that other people will point to and say, ‘my, how godly she is!’. ” And Jesus says, “then you shall have no part with me”.

It’s no accident that everything the Lord requires of us is hatefully opposed to our nature. “Love your enemies….be last…lose your life…crucify the flesh…and yes, wash feet.” But the beautiful irony is that only when we submit to living a life that He asks of us, does His grace gush in like a tidal wave, and carry us up on its crest, enabling us to do the hardest of things.

We are proud, stubborn creatures, who, if we find ourselves forced to “wash feet” for any length of time, begin, before we’re even done, to throw ourselves a pity party, and evoke the sympathies of others to soothe our poor, pathetic lots in life. But the Lord says “wash feet”, and do it cheerfully.

WHY??? Because it conforms us to His image. Because it’s not the glory we receive here that counts for anything…it’s the eternal reward of faithful, consistent, often unnoticed obedience.

Motherhood provides one of the greatest opportunities to “wash feet” that I can think of. And isn’t it just like the Lord to give us a job that often seems too big to handle? “I can’t handle anymore children”. Of course you can’t. That’s the whole point! He knows you can’t, but He is begging you to let Him show his power through you!

Already this morning I have cleaned up two full bowls of spilled milk (one all over the cloth cushion of the kitchen chair), settled I don’t know how many disputes, had to discern why the little ones are fussing, when to spank, when to gently listen, urge the children to “speak gently” meanwhile pushing my urge to explode down, mop the floor, answer math questions, change diapers, pick up the living room….again, wash dishes…well, you know….your list is as long as mine!

And for some reason, today seems harder than most. I had already planned to “tell my husband all about it” when he called. As if that would be a blessing to him, or to my listening children!

So the Lord beckons me to take a deep breath, retreat into a quiet place, and pour out to him my frustrations.

Then, pick up a clean towel, smile, and go wash some more feet!

Washing Feet

A mother toiled with all her might

Tending needs both day and night.

Cleaning, laundry, dirty dishes,

Changing diapers, giving kisses.

No one saw her faithful deeds

The sacrifice for others’ needs.

She never got a company raise

Or heard the applause of worldly praise.

But still she labored diligently

She knew what others couldn’t see.

And then one night a dream told true

About that treasure this mother knew.

She dreamt of seeing her Savior’s face

And then she felt His strong embrace.

Before she had time to even speak

The King of Kings knelt at her feet.

A water basin soon appeared

She gasped in horror through her tears.

She begged of Him to take her seat

To let her wash her Savior’s feet.

He just smiled and said with ease

“You did, when you served the least of these”.

Kelly Crawford

9 thoughts on “Wash Their Feet”

This is really speaking to my heart today! Thanks Kelly:)

LikeLike

This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing Kelly- it’s something I really needed to hear today.

LikeLike

What a beautiful reminder of what the Lord requires of us as wives and mothers!

LikeLike

Ah, that poem sent chills down me. Thank you for this humbling reminder, Kelly.

LikeLike

Love this post!

Thanks you so much for sharing it with us!

LikeLike

Beautiful and true poem.

We were discussing washing feet and service at the church office a few weeks ago. One of the deacons and good friend made a wonderful thought provoking comment, “When you are in the spirit of serving God, serving and receiving the service of others is no longer uncomfortable.”
What challenge it is to me to consider scripture, your words, and his words in the same context and then to put it in daily practice.

LikeLike

I suspect there are a few of us on the list who are finding ourselves in another opportunity to wash feet for our Christ. I have my youngest child at 10 and have been caring for aging parents for about 3 years now. There are times when I have just had to fall into the arms of Jesus for the strength to do one more thing for one more person. Caring for parents has a complicated set of issues all its own. It has brought me to reliance on Christ like nothing else except the death of my first husband.It has also been the greatest, most wonderful opportunity to grow in closeness to my father (my earthly one). I praise the Lord almost daily for this opportunity to serve Him and my dad. My loving and supportive husband and older daughters fill in where needed here at home-sometimes at a moments notice. What a fine juggling act we must often do, tho. Just some thoughts on this interesting stage of life. All glory to the God in Heaven who makes it all possible.

Bless you,
Kristi

LikeLike

Thank you, thank you for this post. It came at just the right time. It brought me to tears, which shows you how God has been working on my heart. What a blessing to give in! His ways are right, and best!

Thank you again for being an encouragement.

LikeLike