Sometimes the best lessons aren’t the spoken ones, but the ones we learn by another’s example.
This weekend I attended Breakthrough Weekend at my church. I was told to sign up for it although I didn’t exactly know what to expect. I had heard that it was amazing and filled with Jesus and that I should totally go. Other than that, I was walking in somewhat blind.
Praise God that he doesn’t always show us the plan ahead of time, because that would ruin all the surprises that come with this life! And boy, did Jesus surprise and delight my soul this weekend!
Jesus taught me quite a few things this weekend (He is so great!) but one concept stood out above all the others: service.
You see, I thought I knew what being a servant looked like. You know, being kind and gracious to others, helping out when you see a need, etc. All the things you would associate with being a “good person” or “loving one another.” However, Jesus showed me that I needed to redefine my definition. I needed a clarification on what it means to be a servant.
In the bible, Jesus explains a lot of truths and concepts to his disciples, and all of them appeared very radical at the time. However, even more unbelievable is the moment where our Jesus teaches them an invaluable lesson, without using words:
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:3-5)
For some of us this act may have seemed uneventful, or maybe just a little strange, but to the disciples it was extremely significant. Their Lord Jesus just abandoned his honored place at the dinner table to come kneel at the disciples feet, and wash their filthy toes clean. This man – who was actually the Son of God, holy and righteous, perfect in every way – stooped not only below his physical seat at the table, but below the position he had been rightly given by God, to do a job that no one but a slave was expected to do.
And then his message hits home:
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17)
I was blessed beyond words this weekend. I was loved mercifully, extravagantly, and unbelievably by those who served me this weekend. Many times I was simply in awe of Jesus himself because the beautiful and willing hearts of each server pointed me straight back to my Creator and his love. And I had just met most of these people the day before!
This kind of awe inspiring love drew me in and captured me. It made me feel loved and appreciated and accepted. Most of all, it reminded me of my sweet Jesus, who loved me first – before anyone else could. And anything that draws me nearer to the Father like that is pretty amazing in my book.
As I prepare to head off to Training Camp this Saturday, I can not help thinking about this sacrificial love. The kind that was shown by the servers this weekend and that beautifully reflects the love of Christ. And it makes me want to serve just as they served me, love just like they loved me.
I’m so excited to be on a team of brothers and sisters in Christ who are serving the nations for the next year. And after this weekend, L Squad, I’m even more excited to love and serve you like Jesus. I know that some days will be easier than others, but know that the Lord has already made a place in my heart for you!
So excited to meet each and every one of you, L Squad! Love you to the moon and back!
I will be traveling to Training Camp this weekend and returning home the following weekend. For the week, I will be getting to know my squad-mates and learning more about this crazy journey called the World Race! Immediately afterward, I will be moving from Gainesville back home to West Palm Beach, to spend some time with friends and family before I leave. Then I’m off to the nations at the beginning of September!
Prayer Requests:
-Safe travels to and from Training Camp
-Open hearts, flexibility and lots of love for Training Camp
-Smooth move from Gainesville
-Favor over continued preparation during August
-To be fully funded! (See status bar at top for where I’m at. Also, note the Support Me tab to the left of this page 🙂 )
