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2004-05-27 - Fresh Paint
John 13:10 Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed needs
only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not
all of you." (NAS)
We are painting several rooms of our house. A few of the walls are particularly
in need of a fresh coat of paint. It is immediately gratifying to see the
color cover old marks and hand prints. Once the whole wall is done, the edging
done and the paint is dry, the wall is refreshed. Once the room is done and
the furniture and pictures are returned, the room is ready for use again.
Jesus is once again being very patient with Peter. Peter has gone from not
wanting his Lord to stoop to washing Peter's feet, to "wash my head and hands
as well". With Peter flying to opposite ends of the spectrum, Jesus brings
him back to the center again. Just like we who are Christians, Peter's salvation
was assured and his sins were forgiven. Jesus was explaining that Peter need
only ask forgiveness for this day - washing the dirt of the world from his
feet in prayer.
We are also to pray for each other and with each other. If Jesus is our example,
then the patience shown to Peter should be an indicator of the grace we should
show each other. Peter was aghast with what he was seeing before him and
missing Jesus' point entirely. This is not unlike you and I at times. We
need to remember than when someone is misunderstanding us.
The Christian who is willing to routinely take this daily inventory will
learn from mistakes and be encouraged by victories. Is it horrible to miss
a day? No. But it is our loss as individuals. This also focuses our hearts
and minds on the day from a more eternal perspective. We all have work to
do, be it at an office, changing diapers and cooking meals, going to school,
etc. Our view of the events of the day will be shifted by our focus.
Paint does indeed make a room more presentable. But sin must be cleansed,
not covered over. Our sins were forgiven in eternity past, and were paid
for at Golgotha with the blood of Jesus Christ. The power of death was crushed
by the resurrection of Jesus. And we are cleansed by His suffering and death.
And we have eternal life through His resurrection. As Jesus explained to
Peter, only our feet need to be washed - the daily dirt of the world only
needs to be removed. And we can rejoice in our salvation and new life.
Mark 11:25 "And whenever you stand praying, forgive,
if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven
may forgive you your transgressions. (NAS)
Grace &
Peace,
Mike
jmhoskins@gmail.com
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