FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF LENT - 2013

Scripture:

He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him ... "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:4-5, 14-15

Reflection:

Foot washing was a common practice in Jesus' day. Tired, dusty and achy feet of guests would be washed by a servant as they entered the home of the host. It not only brought a refreshing to the guest, but was an expression of the hospitality of the host. But in our Scripture reading, it is the Master washing the feet. The Master takes on one of the lowliest, most humiliating roles. Then he says, "I have set you an example..." By "you" he means YOU; by "you" he means ME. The example Jesus set for us was that of servanthood. While others may tout that they are destined for greatness, we must remember that Jesus said, "... whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help us to humble our hearts that we might better follow your example of servanthood. To be a servant we need patience that is often lacking, kindness that often falls short and tenderness that reflects your grace. May we see your lowly example as our highest calling. May we always look upon service to others as a privilege and never and as a burden. As we help others, may we serve, not only out of obedience to you, but also as an act of worship to you. Amen.

WEDNESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF LENT - 2013

Scripture:

"...whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave." Matthew 20:26-27

Reflection:

Servant? Slave? Those words are not often associated with what we would call greatness in our society. Who's in control? Who's on top of the heap? Who's at the front of the line? Who has the most stuff? These are things we often attribute to great people. But Jesus sees things differently. Often a church is considered great if it has hundreds or thousands of people in attendance, Jesus might judge by a different standard: How many people are being served. Lent is a great time to humble ourselves and remind ourselves that "it is not about me" and to reach out to others.

Prayer:

Lord, you told your disciples, you told us, that you did not come to be served, but to serve. You have put before us the challenge to follow your example. You have called us unto greatness, but may we never forget that the path to Kingdom-greatness is marked by humility, acts of kindness and deeds of service to others. Create within us servant's hearts that we might truly extend servant's hands. Amen.

Not a Spectator Sport

Christianity was never intended to be a spectator sport. All who wear the jersey are expected to be active participants in the game. In preparation, we live a life of discipline and constant training - well, at least we should. We show up to life in full uniform, ready for the Coach's next play. We may not be in every play, but we are to show up to the game with anticipation and readiness.

Related to this idea is the following prayer by Lee Strobel from his book, Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary.

"Lord, I want to get into the fray. I want to play a role in the biggest adventure story of all time. Use me to make a difference. Use me to impact a young person for You. Use me to solve someone's problem. Use me to soothe someone's pain. Use me to answer someone's prayer. Use me to feed someone who's hungry. Use me to rescue a child. Use me to bring someone to You. Use me to ease someone's loneliness. Use me to raise a godly family.

"Use me to deepen someone's faith. Use me to cheer someone on. Use me to help a broken person see that he's precious in Your sight. Use me to touch lives in Your name.

"I don't want to just observe cathedrals through my bus window; I want to roll up my sleeves and build one! Lord, use me to build a living cathedral dedicated to Your glory."