Sometimes I think that Foster is in my head......
Page 136-137, " There is the service of being served. When Jesus began to wash the feet of those he loved, Peter refused. He would never let his Master stoop to such a menial service on his behalf. It sounds like a statement of humility; in reality it was an act of veiled pride. Jesus' service was an affront to Peter's concept of authority. If Peter had been the master, he would not have washed feet.
It is an act if submission and service to allow others to serve us. It recognizes their "kingdom authority" over us. We graciously receive the service rendered, never feeling we must repay it. Those who, out of pride, refuse to be served are failing to submit to the divinely appointed leadership in the kingdom on God."
Guilty, guilty as charged. I have never felt more connected to Peter than I did in this statement. I am struggling with even how to approach this without sounding prideful or arrogant. Who am I to think that I do not need Jesus to wash my feet when in reality I need him to wash all of me! There are 2 things that struck a cord with me in this 1) was the refusal by Peter to allow Jesus to serve him and how that resonated with my life and 2) The feeling that I must always repay those who I do, in the rare occasion, let serve me. The constant need to make sure I am not in debt to anyone forgetting that not only has my debt been paid but has been washed away from record.
Needless to say I am going to continue to process this.
Thanks for this post Steph. The way in which I've walked many times with Christ is like Peter. Jesus comes to me in mind-blowing purity and beauty and I invent religion and say, "no, Jesus. Let's do it this way. Jesus, I like your idea but let me throw on a "Steve" layer of religious pride and religious effort so I get some control of this thing.
ReplyDeleteI like your emphasis on process because I feel like Jesus daily is nailing the "Steve" - "ness" of control and pride to the cross. Especially the Steve-ness that in the name of religion tries to keep the wild Lion of Judah bound and tamed.