November 4, 2020 -- John 13:3-5 -- An army of worshipers

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.

John 13:3-5 English Standard Version

Why would you show any kindness to your enemy? You likely don’t want to show any weakness, knowing an enemy can take you apart when he knowns where to hit you. In this world you see politicians posturing and haranguing and threatening. It is what the weak must do.

Notice the power of Jesus Christ. He has all authority. The Father in heaven has blessed Him and empowered Jesus for service. He cannot be moved. He cannot be diverted from the path of righteousness. He cannot be manipulated from carrying out His obedient love to the Father which involves saving lost and ruined sinners from the judgment of God which would cast them into hell.

That is why Jesus washes Judas’ feet—the very one who would betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

Jesus was secure enough to wash Peter’s feet—the man would would deny Him three times.

Jesus washed the feet of every one of His disciples—Jesus was secure in His place as one loved by His Father in heaven so much so He was confident and bold to humble Himself and wash the feet of those who needed to know the depths of redeeming love.

It was an act of unimaginable power for Jesus to stoop down and wash the disciples feet—He was not afraid of being misunderstood nor questioned nor mocked.

Jesus’ redeeming work reaches to every place in your life that needed or needs cleansing. He is powerful enough to bring His cleansing. He is secure in the Father’s love to the extent that while you were still a sinner, He died for you and all whom the Father had given Him. He rose unto the complete salvation of all who name Him as Lord and rose up in terrible judgment and condemnation against all who refuse Him.

Corona virus and the responses of governments and despots, fear-mongering prognosticators or sincere officials cannot turn aside the purposes of our God revealed in Jesus. Live for the King of Glory with great confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit so that your witness and obedience is exactly what those around you need.

Whether or not Trump regained the White House matters very little in the grand scheme of things. Jesus reigned in victory through-out all of history. He is in charge. If Trudeau’s minority government continues to limp from one scandal to another for some time yet, the Kingship of Jesus and His holiness is not in any way compromised. Jesus knows the victory He will show at the moment history ends and all things mysterious to the world now, will be revealed. Jesus the Captain of Salvation will have proved Himself again faithful and powerful in all things bringing radiant glory to the Father in heaven, and the Spirit will illuminate every dull heart and blind eye so that the victory of Jesus will drive all people to their knees in wonder before Him.

Walk with the confident assurance of one washed by Jesus, loved to the full extent of His power, who is, therefore, enabled to bear witness to the world around you. Whether or not anyone listens to you the Son enthroned in heaven is aware of Your dedication and fearlessness and His Spirit guards you and blesses you in the Scripture-assurance-filled promise that in Christ you are a deeply loved son or daughter of God the Father.

Father of Splendor and Power—Your people Israel went out into battle led by singers who praised You saying, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His steadfast love endures forever”! It is foolishness in the eyes of the world and evidence that what man deems as foolish is wisdom beyond human imagining. Spirit of God, move believers as the army of worshipers and singers who praise the Father declaring His love shown so perfectly and fully in Jesus Christ. Spirit of God if your people, entrusted to you in Christ, are exalted or humbled, used powerfully or set aside in Your reserves for a season, continue to teach all in the wisdom of Jesus and His dedicated, obedient love so that the world will see the Unspeakable majesty and purposes of God the Father. Amen.