If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:14, 15.
There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit. The ordinance preceding the Lord’s Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother.
The ordinance of feet washing most forcibly illustrates the necessity of true humility. While the disciples were contending for the highest place, in the promised kingdom, Christ girded Himself, and performed the office of a servant by washing the feet of those who called Him Lord.
Reconciliation one with another is the work for which the ordinance of feet washing was instituted…. Whenever it is celebrated, Christ is present by His Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit that brings conviction to hearts.
As Christ celebrated this ordinance with His disciples, conviction came to the hearts of all save Judas. So we shall be convicted as Christ speaks to our hearts. The fountains of the soul will be broken up. The mind will be energized, and, springing into activity and life, will break down every barrier that has caused disunion and alienation. Sins that have been committed will appear with more distinctness than ever before; for the Holy Spirit will bring them to our remembrance.
Having washed the disciples’ feet, He [Jesus] said, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” … Christ was here instituting a religious service. By the act of our Lord this humiliating ceremony was made a consecrated ordinance. It was to be observed by the disciples, that they might ever keep in mind His lessons of humility and service.
The Faith I Live By p. 298
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Prayer Requests
—-Please keep my niece and her family in your prayers. She had emergency back surgery yesterday morning. D
—-Please, keep Kathy and her family in prayer. Kathrin
—-Please keep sis Brenda I prayer…she’s suffered a massive stroke and is currently have bleeding in the brain..doctor’s are saying that it doesn’t look good. Monica
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Dear Friends,
In August of 2002, the Hartwell family traveled to in Wyoming for a family reunion. There were some that Ron hadn’t seen in over 40 years. His Uncle Russell and Aunt Ramona were in charge of the preparations and the various activities that were being planned. It was so much fun! There were games for the children, a talent show for all ages, and time spent just sitting around the campfire singing or reminiscing.
Two years later, we had another family reunion. This time it was in Michigan. It was a smailler group this time, but just as much fun. There were more games and more conversation around the campfire. The highlight was a trip to the old family homestead, and other important sites from the Hartwell family’s history. We also included a trip to Lake Michigan one afternoon. It was a little chilly, but that did not stop Brian from enjoying the water.
Soon, another, larger, family reunion will take place. This reunion will not just be the Hartwell family, but the saved from all ages will be there! Joyous preparations are even now being made for this reunion. Our Loving Saviour says, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3 Think of it! Ever since His ascension, Jesus has been getting everything ready for a grand reunion of all of the angels, all of the unfallen beings on other worlds (Job 1:6;2:1; Eph 3:15), and all of His righteous followers throughout this earth’s existence (Matt 24:30, 31; 1 Cor 15:51-54, 1 Thes 4:16-18).
How our Dear Saviour longs for us to be at that reunion. His Great Heart of Love yearns for that great event. He, Who loves us with an everlasting love, is preparing a beautiful feast for us. We will sit at the table with all of the great men of the Bible. Jesus tells us, “And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 8:11 Imagine! We will hear from the lips of our very favorite Bible characters their story. As we listen, the Great God of the Universe will fill in details of what was happening behind the scenes. Our heart will thrill with love for our Great Redeemer, Who loves us so much that He “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Paul exclaims, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Cor 2:9 Even so, we can catch a glimpse of what it will be through what has been revealed to John, Isaiah, and others. John declares, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new….I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ….And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels… And the wall of the city had twelve foundations…And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones….And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass…. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there…. And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever…. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be…. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city…. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely….He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Rev 21,22
May we all be there on that great reunion day, standing “on the sea of glass, having the harps of God” and singing praises to the One Who has saved us from the hand of the enemy. Rev 15:2 May we make the needed preparation now while there is time. (Matt 24:44) May we ever “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth” is my payer. Rev 14:4
Rose
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Jesus’ Example in Humility