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Day 31: Romans 10/Psalm 63
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Friday March 26, 2004
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Washing
Feet
In John 13, John paints a perplexing picture of Jesus. If Jesus, the
Messiah King, hadn’t already thoroughly confused his close
friends--associating with prostitutes, feasting with tax collectors,
talking to a Samaritan woman!-- he really “high jacked” their
expectations the night before the Passover. There was Jesus, disrobing,
pulling out the towels, kneeling before his friends, scrubbing their
filthy feet! What was he doing? You can almost hear Peter thinking,
“Say what? Jesus, you want us to do the same for others? What kind of
King are you?”
“He had equal status with
God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the
advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time
came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a
slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an
incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges.
Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless,
obedient death--and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion.”
Philippians 2 (The Message)
Jesus’ friends were
challenged once again that night--and a new kingly paradigm was forming
in them.
So are you
accepting the challenge of Jesus? Just after he washed his friends’
feet he declared, “I have set you an example that you should do as I
have done for you.” John 13: 15 (New International Version) Followers
of Jesus do just that--they follow the example of Jesus. Are you
clinging to your rights or unclenching your fists? Do you live for your
own interests entirely or do you consider your neighbor’s interests?
The challenge to serve that Jesus gives comes with a promise: “If you
understand what I’m telling you, act like it--and live a
blessed life.” (The Message)
Today’s
Prayer:
Jesus, I want to be clean, washed in your love. Give me the courage
to let go of my rights and serve others. Let me experience you more
deeply as I follow your example.
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Memory Verse of the Week:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are
in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit
of life set me free from the law of sin and death. "
Romans 8:1-2 (New International Version)
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For a complete
listing of all the previous devotionals in this "50 Day
Experience," click here.
To read the chapter or psalm of the day online, click on one of the
following links:
o
Romans
10
o
Psalm
63
Chris Griffin, griffin@cincyvineyard.com,
Pastor of 5th & 6th grade and Jr. High ministry at VCC
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