The word for today is - Washing !

Good morning,

The word for today is - Washing !

Lets start with Acts 2:38, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is a gift from God, now think about that ? It's the greatest gift of all !!!! The question is this, do you want it? The word from God tells us in John 3:3,Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. He can not come in ! Now, let's look at the foot washing ceremony, recorded in John chapter 13, it allows us a window into the character of our Savior. So,read John chapter 13, as you read it you will notice that Christ performs a menial task generally done by the lowliest servant in the household. Did you get that? The question is, did Jesus want to be served or to serve? How can we demonstrate love for God? Our love for God will be expressed in our love for others. Read 2 Corinthians 4:5, For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. Also understand that Servanthood is an attitude exemplified by Christ read,Philippians 2:6-7,Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: How does Jesus approached His relationship with God the Father. He was always submissive to the Father in everything. Beyond this, God the Father is the greatest servant in the universe. In the thirteenth chapter of his gospel John , the apostle John records a ceremony that Christ performed and instituted on the very last night of His life. It may at first seem strange that the other three gospel writers did not address this act at all. We must remember that John, as the last of the gospel writers, fills in some of Jesus' acts and statements that the others left out of their gospels. Who better to describe it than "the disciple whom Jesus loved," John! So, lets read about Peter's reaction, "Master, You shouldn't be washing our feet like this! Jesus answered and said unto him," What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter". (verse 7 in John 13). Then"Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.( verse 8 in John 13). We need to understand that Jesus shows us by His actions, He made it very clear that He would not expect anything from us that He was not willing to do Himself. The common explanation for this is that it teaches us to learn humility by doing good for others, by doing acts of service or kindness for our brethren. This is certainly a good lesson for the believers. Now understand that we are saved by grace read Ephesians 2:8-10, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Therefore, the command of Mathew 28:19 effectively declares that we are to teach the Word of God so that through the Word there will be those who will be baptized (that is, their sins will be washed away). Additionally, this very significant verse teaches that those who become saved are washed into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. God is teaching that salvation brings us into a most intimate union with God in every aspect of His being. Thank you Lord for your word. Amen !