I am finding the days and weeks are flying by. It is hard to believe that it is April. This month I have several commitments, so the calendar is full and I anticipate another month will soon be over. It is exciting to receive the news that the text of my book has been uploaded to being the printing process. It will also be available online. The online version may be ready in the week or two. I have my weekly workout with my fitness trainer, so I continue to push my rehab workouts. Besides my devotionals, I write an occasional blog about energy issues. You can find the latest at www.LarimerLEAP.com

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.“ Philippians 3:7-8,10-11 HCSB

David Irwin was a missionary to Africa and the founder of the Assemblies of God Center for Muslim Ministry. David’s career included being a pastor/counselor and earning several academic degrees. He had completed his dissertation for Doctor’s Degree in missiology and was looking forward to many years of fruitful and impactful ministry.  As he drove home from church on a Sunday morning with his wife and young grandchildren in the car, a teen driver ran a stop sign broad sided the car and a high profile missions leader was killed.

His son Paul and his wife were on a missions trip to Africa and Egypt and made their way home as quickly as they heard the news. They were processing the death of a father, concerned about Paul’s mother and their children who were in the car. As the days approach to prepare for a funeral service, Paul was going through some of his father’s files. There was a file labeled, “Dung.” When Paul opened the file he found copies of all his father’s degrees, recognitions and awards from his years of ministry .

David Irwin, knew what the Apostle Paul knew. True life is not found in achieving status in the eyes of man. It is not in status and all that makes us feel worthy and secure, it is found in knowing Christ and experiencing the “Christ-life.”

It is nice to be honored and treated with respect. As a young high school teacher, I took note when staff members called me, “Mr. Summers.” Even after my legislative years, it is still nice to be referred to as, “Representative Summers.” It is not something that I demanded or even anticipated, but when it happened, it made me realize how easy it is to get caught up by being honored in the eyes of people.

Paul was a “Pharisee of the Pharisees” – he had education and status and authority that many would covet; yet he said “just call me a ‘servant’.” He knew all that was B.C., “before Christ,” didn’t matter. What mattered now was knowing Christ and continuing to know Him.

Jesus told the parable about the “hidden treasure” and “pearl of great price.” (Matthew 13:44,45) It is about those who sold all they had, “gave their all” to secure a treasured possession. In a day when many view relationship with Christ as optional, a “take or leave it” proposition or something that interferes with what is really important, God’s Word challenges us about our priorities and value system.

Martyred Missionary Jim Elliott said, “He is not fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he can not lose.” Over the years I have heard individuals testify about what they “gave up” to commit their life to Christ. Paul would tell them, “it isn’t a sacrifice, it is “dung.” All we value and esteem, will one day fade but, “he who does the will of the Father lives forever.” (1 John 2:17)

Nobody has given up more than Jesus. He left His throne in heaven to enter the womb of a teenage girl. He lived an obscure life for 30 years and then taught and performed miracles for three years, before suffering a humiliating, painful death on the cross.

No wonder Paul admonished the Romans, “I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?” (Romans 12:1 TLB) We can’t go wrong, when we give all to the One who gave His all for us.

It looks like my book is proceeding to the final step before mass production takes place. The interior text has been finalized (hopefully with all the corrections that need to be made). This afternoon, I attended a event in Berthoud with the local Chamber of Commerce. It was recognizing a new church that was occupying a building on main street. It is a solid Evangelical church with a focus on outreach. I even won one of the door prizes!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord made David victorious wherever he went. So David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people.” 2 Samuel 8:14,15 HCSB)

The righteous reign of David stands in stark contrast to the turmoil of the days of King Saul. It took several years after David was recognized as King in Hebron and ruled over the tribe of Judah, before Israel was united under his reign.

As David lead a united kingdom, the Lord brought victory after victory to David and his armies. He defeated the Philistines and Moabites. He defeated the King of Zobah and the armies of the Arameans of Damascus who came to help the King of Zobah. David took the spoils of war an dedicated them to the Lord. This included spoils “from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Amalekites, and the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.” (2 Samuel 8:12 HCSB)

While David was a mighty and victorious warrior, we see His success was promised by the Lord. When David wanted to “build a house for the Lord” the Lord responded and said, “I will build your house”,

“…I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land.  I will establish a place f or My people Israel and plant them, so that they may live there and not be disturbed again. Evildoers will not afflict them as they have done  ever since the day I ordered judges to be over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord declares to you: The Lord Himself will make a house for you.“      (2 Samuel 7:9-11 HCSB)

Twice in 2 Samuel 8, we read, “The Lord made David successful where ever He went.”  (2 Samuel 8:6,14) In recognition of the victories that came from the Lord, David dedicated the silver and gold from the defeated Kings to the Lord.

Not only was David victorious in battle, but we read that, “he administered justice and righteous for all his people.” In our day and much less in David’s day, those are not words that would describe one in power. The traits of wise and godly leadership is seen when the needs of the people are a priority over the needs of those in power. It is easier to subdue by the sword, than to find security because of the esteem that is granted by the people a leader serves. This is a lesson that political leaders, business leaders and even church leaders need to apply today.

Power can win battles, arguments and push through an agenda. But true security comes from being “just and righteous.” In all of his victories, David realized that it was the Lord who was directing His steps and granting him success.

Solomon would recognize the truth, “When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.“ (Proverbs 16:7 NLT) You can seek to please people to gain their favor. But it is better to seek to please the Lord. When He is pleased, people are pleased; and if people are not pleased, it is better to please the Lord than people.

I was glad to reconnect with my Tuesday prayer time with County officials this morning. I also attended a breakfast meeting with some seniors from Timberline Church.

I met retired missionary Harry Weimar. Harry lost his wife of 60 years a year ago. He was her primary caregiver for 11 years. I was amazed at Harry’s attitude and continued focus on ministry. About 40 years ago his missionary service in Japan was cut short because of his wife’s health. They settled in San Fransisco and the Lord placed Harry around several Korean’s that he ministered too while working in secular employment. At this stage in his life, he conducts regular chapel services at an Assisted Living Center and even goes by several times a week, just to visit residents. He has his own website (www.knowingjesuschrist.com), whose content is available in 12 languages and is working on a plan to reach Korean’s through the internet. Harry is 85!

Just when you begin to believe your most productive years are behind, you meet a “Harry Weimar” and realize you have a long way to go!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”  Philippians 2:4 HCSB

Our grandchildren were with us a few days during their spring break. Christian came up to get them and help us out with some work around the house. As they were getting all their “stuff” together and heading to the car, older brother Riley walked over some things that his brother Caedmon had left behind. When his father called it to his attention, he responded, “those aren’t mine, their Caed’s!” Christian used it as an opportunity to admonish his children that, “we are to look out for each other.”

Paul is admonishing believer’s to do the same thing. It is easy for us to be self-absorbed and concerned only for ourselves. It is easy to do what is “best for us” even if it is not good for others. It is easy for us to overlook the needs of others. Paul wrote to the Galatians about this focus on “others” when he said, “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.“ (Galatians 6:10 NIV) We are to view fellow believers as part of the spiritual family of Christ to which we all belong.

What does it take to, “look out for the interests of others”? Paul uses the example of Christ and the first thing he points out is Christ’s example of humility.

“Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God
as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself…He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6,8 HCSB)

First and foremost, humility is an attitude. It is how we view ourselves,  and others. It is natural to be “better than.” We seek for that from our early years. We seek better grades, we seek to be a better athlete, we seek to be a better musician, we seek to be more popular. It thought it was interesting to hear my friend Bud Hill, share about his daughter Twyla (who is my massage therapist) being advanced academically when she was a child in school. He said, “sometimes she would intentionally miss a question or two on a test, because she didn’t want the boys to feel bad.”

If humility is an attitude, serving is the action. Paul says of the eternal Son of God, “He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:7 HCSB) Paul said that if “someone’s gift is serving, let him serve.” (Romans12:7)

Jesus before the cross took the place of a servant and washed the disciples feet. (John 13:1-3) He said, “I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.” (John 13:5 HCSB) He also told His disciples, “…even the Son of Man came not be served, but to serve….” (Mark 10:45)

When we serve, God takes care of the recognition and the rewards. Paul said of Jesus , “For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—
of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 HCSB)

Paul consistently in his letters referred to himself as a “servant and a apostle.” Toward the end of his life he affirmed with confidence, “There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.“ (2 Timothy 4:8 HCSB)

A servant seeks to please his master and to receive rewards from him. When we focus on serving others, with the attitude and actions of Christ as our example, we can be confident that our actions are pleasing to Him and that He will reward us in His way and in His time.

This morning at our Republican breakfast meeting Senate Candidate John Keyser was the special guest. John served in the State House just after I left, and is truly an impressive young man. He is a Bronze Star Recipient, who has served our nation faithfully and continues his military service in the reserves. I also had a lunch meeting with our Energy Action Project Steering Committee. It was good to be with a number of individuals who are partners with us promoting responsible energy development in northern Colorado.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Remove sorrow from your heart, and put away pain from your flesh, because youth and the prime of life are fleeting. So remember your Creator in the days of your youth: Before the days of adversity come, and the years approach when you will say, “I have no delight in them” Ecclesiastes 11:10; 12:1)

“Getting old ain’t for sissies.” It seems that saying originated with actress Bette Davis, who said, “growing old ain’t no place for sissies.” I first heard it from an older gentlemen by the name of John Crandall, who attended my church as a pastor.

What is interesting is that Solomon of old recognized the challenges of life and growing old thousands of years ago. As I was reading the last two chapters of Ecclesiastes, I recognized the flow from the last verse of chapter 11 to the first verse of chapter 12. Solomon warns, “the prime of life is fleeting.”

The verses of chapter 12 reveal all the challenges of old age, Solomon in poetic words, describes loss of hearing, loss of sight, loss of energy, loss of mobility, loss of mental acuity and loss of enjoyment of life. It seems our younger years are spent “gaining” and our later years “losing.” Such is the cycle of life and the aging process.

Since Solomon is concerned about not just observing some of the “futility” of life, but is also a man of wisdom, we find his advice along with his observations. I see two key words, “remove” and “remember.” Life is to be lived, not just endured. It is to be invested, not just spent.

He says to “remove sorrow from your heart, and pain from your flesh.” I would suggest that relates to how we maintain a healthy spirit and a healthy body. As we grow older the neglect in those two areas can manifest themselves. The resentments that have been hidden for years, come to the surface. The grudges and forgiveness harbored in our hearts, will manifest themselves.

I have noticed that my 91 year-old mother will often revert back to reliving a painful misunderstanding and false accusation from her youth. I have seen the same type of thing in older people from my years of pastoral ministry. I am always delighted when there is an older person who faces their final days with a gracious spirit and a pleasant demeanor.

Taking care of our physical bodies is important as well. There is a commercial that contains the words, “a body in motion stays in motion.” I discovered the truth of that when I was hospitalized for almost five months. During my initial illness time, a friend who is a retired rehabilitation doctor, told me studies have found that for every day in bed, it takes three days to recover. I remember meeting an elderly lady during my political door to door campaign work. She was delightful and spry for being in her mid 90’s and talked about walking two miles a day.

Solomon also says, “remember.” “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” A life lived for God, is a life lived with God. In all that life brings it is important to have the support and resilience that comes from knowing God and placing our trust in Him and our life under His care.

Remember to invest your life. “Send your bread on the surface of the waters, for after many days you may find it.” (Eccl. 11:1 HCSB) It is natural to anticipate a “return on investment” of your money. We can also anticipate a “return on our investment” in the lives of others. That is one thing I experienced during my health crisis. Those that we were there for in their time of need, where there for us in our time of need. That wasn’t the motivation for our service to others, but was an unanticipated blessing what it happened.

Remember to make the best of life. “Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth.” (Eccl. 11:9 HCSB) This reminds me of the priorities of life. So often life is lived with the idea of, “when I retired…….” “when the kids are grown….” We become so absorbed in “getting ahead” so we can do what we would like to do in order to enjoy life, but we find “that day”  never comes.

I am thankful that we can find guidelines in the Bible that not only reveals how to have “eternal” life, but how to make the most of the life we have right now. Both of those involve Christ at the center of a person’s life. Investing in your spiritual health, impacts all areas of your life.

We ended up enjoying an Easter Sunday, by ourselves this year. Last night we enjoyed an Easter-Eve dinner at the Ewing’s residence with some people that are part of the PrimeTimers group from Timberline. This morning we slept in a little. I worked on a monthly report for my work and then after a nice nap, we head out for an early dinner. It was nice to get some of the Easter Sunday pictures of our Children and grandchildren.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:45-47 HCSB

Looking back it is always easier to see, what was so easily missed or misunderstood. As we stand on “this side of the cross and resurrection” we know the “rest of the story.” We know the meaning of all that took place through the crucifixion and resurrection.

However, for the disciples of Jesus and those who followed Him, all the events of His final days, just looked like a tragic end to a life taken way too soon. They would hide in fear, not knowing if “they were next.” Their lives were filled with confusion and turmoil.

To the Jewish leaders, the death of Jesus was getting rid of the one who condemned them and was viewed as undermining their authority.

To the Pilate and the Romans, it was just another death. They seemed to take greater delight in this one as witnessed by their mocking and taunts.

To the masses, it was an unjust death of a great teacher and miracle worker. It was probably a lesson that when you cross the religious system of the day, this is what happens.

At the time of His baptism, John declared Jesus, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29) During His ministry Jesus, warned and tried to prepare His disciples about what He would face, “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” (Matthew 16:21 NIV)

They were not only confused by Jesus words, Peter even rebuked Him, not being able to understand how those events would be in God’s plan and purpose.

When Jesus rose from the dead, there was wonder, amazement, and confusion mixed with unbelief. During one of His post-resurrection appearances to His disciple, Jesus confronts their unbelief and tells them plainly why all that had taken place had to happen and what it meant to them. “He opened their minds to understand the scriptures.” They were able to see all that had taken place was the fulfillment of that which the prophets had spoken. They understood the “new covenant” that Jesus had told the about, that He was coming to make with all humanity.

Their assignment was to, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”  (Mark 16:15 NLT) They were able to do so, understanding the contrast between what they saw, and what was being accomplished.

• They saw Him being bruised, but He was bringing peace
• They saw He was being pierced, but He was easing pain
• They saw Him being persecuted, but He was bringing life
• They saw Him risen, but He was bringing power
• They saw Him ascend to the Father, but He was bringing peace.

Just like the disciples, there are many things in our life we don’t understand the significance when they are taking place. But when we have confidence in God’s plan and purpose for our life, we know that “He can open our minds to understand.” That may not happen in this life, but in the end we will be able to see that which was happening in our life was not outside of God’s care and watchful concern. The new life beyond the tomb was not just for Jesus, it was for His disciples and all who place their faith in Him as well.

This morning I attended a meeting with the Mayor of Windsor at a local donut shop. It was the donut shop that really the attraction, but the presence of a community event was a good excuse. Our weather in Northern Colorado has turned out better than expected on this Easter-eve day. I was glad to get in a workout at the fitness center after some shopping with Debbie.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “In my futile life I have seen everything: there is a righteous man who perishes in spite of his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in spite of his evil.”  Ecclesiastes 7:15 HCSB

“Then he [Pilate] released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified.” Matthew 27:26 HCSB

The child responds to his parent’s discipline and complains, “You are not being fair!” The parent responds in his wisdom, “Life isn’t fair!” It doesn’t take long in life to realize “life isn’t fair.” We see a child with cancer. We see a teen in their prime killed in a car accident. We see good happen to “bad” people, and bad happen to “good” people.” We see the innocent suffer for the guilty.

Thousands of year ago Solomon to his frustration, made the observation about the inequity and ironies of life. We see him observe, “There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.” (Eccl. 8:14 HCSB)

If these circumstances of life become our focus, we like Solomon, can conclude that “life is futile.” This can lead to anger, frustration and despondency. It can cause people to turn to God and demand the “He do something.” But we live in a “fallen world”, surrounded by “fallen people.” Not even the Son of God in this world could escape the inequities of this life. Barabbas was released, Jesus was condemned. Even the thief on the cross recognized the injustice,

“But the other [criminal on a cross] answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:40,41 HCSB)

Jesus is one who suffered as “the innocent for the guilty.” He was betrayed, mocked, endured physical torture, and was ridiculed by common criminals. When you deal with a “life that is not fair” you are in good company and you have a friend in Jesus.

Some important observations…

When Jesus faced the inequities of life, He did not strike back and He did not become angry and embittered. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 HCSB) But that was Jesus! We look at the stoning of Stephen in Acts and as he was being unjustly murdered his final words were, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60 NIV)

Jesus entrusted His life to the Father, knowing that God is just and in the end has the final say. “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23 NIV)

We can be assured of the encouragement of Jesus presence and example. We are to focus on Him and not on others and the circumstances of this life. “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12;2,3 NIV)

The following poem attributed to Mother Teresa of Calcutta, highlights the inequities of life and the proper response:

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Be good anyway.

Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People need help, but may attack you if you try to help them.
Help them anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

When life is unfair, it allows us to look toward a future and a place the Lord has prepared where all the inequities of this life are no more. That is the hope of resurrection Sunday!

Good Friday. This morning I conducted a communion service at Morning Star Assisted Living. I then enjoyed a men’s ministry planning lunch with Jim Szakmeister and Kent Haggard. We have some good speakers for our monthly breakfast lined out for coming months. This afternoon was a medical appointment. Not for me, but for our dog. He has been experiencing some pain for the past couple of weeks so are trying to figure out what is going on.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Pilate then told the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no grounds for charging this man.” Luke 23:4 HCSB    From that moment Pilate made every effort to release Him. But the Jews shouted, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!” John 19:12 HCSB   Then, willing to gratify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. And after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified. Mark 15:15 HCSB   When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!” Matthew 27:24 HCSB

Pilate as a Roman official was no push over. He was known for his ruthless behavior and the power of Rome was exercised swiftly and without mercy. But he also knew when we was “being played.” As a political leader he found himself in a challenging environment. Roman citizens, Jewish leaders, zealots who constantly challenged and presented a threat to peace, all had to be kept in line.

When the Chief Priest and his men brought Jesus to Pilate, Pilate soon found himself caught between his conscious and the crowd. He had no special affection for Jesus and less for the Jewish leaders. Still, Pilate tried to give himself and the religious leaders an out, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Messiah?” For he knew they had handed Him over because of envy.“ (Matthew 27:17-18 HCSB)

Even Pilate didn’t believe the religious leaders would allow their hatred for Jesus out of envy to allow them to condemn, the innocent Rabbi from Galilee over a notorious terrorist. But the religious leaders were so threatened they, were not only willing to release Barabbas, but to threaten Pilate’s security with Rome. Pilate wasn’t in fear of being “voted out of office” but he was concerned about the wrath of Rome on anyone who was viewed as a traitor.

Pilate’s main duty was to maintain peace and order. So when he saw the crowds out of control, he made a decision that he felt forced into, releasing Barabbas, condemning Jesus. Even a dream from his wife couldn’t dissuade him from standing his ground in the face of the power play by the religious leaders.

To their credit the religious leaders knew how to manipulate the situation to their advantage. They stirred up the crowds, taking advantage of the misinformed and gullible. They knew exactly the right words and strategy to gain Pilate’s favor. They would be very effect “activists” in today’s political climate and system.

Pilate had to make a decision, what was at stake was straightforward, “Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” “What is truth?” said Pilate.” (John 18:37-38 HCSB)

Pilate sounds like a “post-modern” thinker, uncertain if anyone can really know the truth. But he didn’t realize that truth personified was standing in front of him. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.“ (John 14:6 NIV)

We certainly see in all of this it was God’s will that was being fulfilled. Not the will of the religious leaders or the conflict within Pilate’s mind. Jesus made it clear when He said, “No one takes it [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18 ESV)

We can all relate to Pilate’s dilemma of being caught between what his conscious told him and what the crowd or circumstances demanded. We all face times when beliefs and values are challenged. It is easy to criticize those in public office who are under the microscope, but how often are people in business, in their personal life and in the church faced with compromise and conflict between right and wrong, truth and principle versus business-as-usual and outside pressures.

We can trust the Lord to help us be “strong and courageous.” Sometimes the conflict is not so much from the forces without, but the forces within. We can’t fail when we side with “the truth.” Being true to ourselves, biblical principles and the example of Christ.

Christian made it up to Fort Collins to retrieve the grandkids this morning. While here he installed some new outside lights that we have had for some time. We had our house painted in the fall and these fixtures were the final completion. What a great day in terms of weather considering the snow of yesterday. I’m glad its March not January. I had a fitness center workout. I actually, very cautiously, walked the width of the basketball court without my crutches. No points for style, but I made it!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.” John 13:12-15 HCSB

During the chapters that are referred to as the “Upper Room  Discourse” Jesus shares many truths with His disciples. He shares about what the future holds, the work of the Holy Spirit, He talks about the vine and the branches, He prays. But before all this takes place, Jesus begins His time with the disciples by washing their feet.

The borrowed room was ready, they all gathered for the Passover meal and these special last hours with Jesus. Jesus begins the time by taking the place of a typical household servant. He takes a basin of water and a towel and begins to wash the disciples feet.

His first lesson, was a demonstration that got their attention. So much so, Peter resisted when Jesus came to Him. After the act of humble service, Jesus seizes the moment and turns it into instruction. At the close of His time with the disciples He reminds them of the importance of being servants to each other and the world. Even in Jesus day there was enough status seeking and “class” distinction.

Jesus also, emphasizes that the real blessing comes from obedience not just knowledge. It is not knowing what is right that brings the blessing it is doing what is right. Jesus said, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17 HCSB)

There are some important observations about this act, especially considering the timing. We can observe that…

1 – A servant focuses on the needs of others. Jesus knew His time to return to the Father was near. But He laid aside focus on Himself and what He would be enduring to demonstrate love to the disciples. We read, “Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1 HCSB) Jesus continued to put others first and maximize His influence on them.

2 – A servant is secure. “Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart from this world to the Father…” (John 13:1 HCSB) Jesus knew who He was. We see this when He was  12 years old in the Temple. He knew where He had come from and He knew where He was going.

In a few moments He would share with His disciples the words, “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also…” (John 14:1-3 HCSB)

The hours ahead would be grueling and difficult, but that was not His focus. Now was the time to share with those who had been with Him from the beginning.

3 – A servant focuses on relationship. “You will never wash my feet—ever!” Peter said. Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8 HCSB) If you want to connect with someone, then serve them. Make them feel important and honored.

As we respond to Christ in faith and follow His teaching in action, we experience what He alone can provide. That includes a sense of purpose, a sense of security and the assurance of a future that has been prepared for us.