8-17-2024

Good Morning All,

    John 13:17: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”   

    This verse comes from what we call the “Upper Room” discourse.  Jesus is spending the last night with his disciples before he is betrayed by Judas.  He was giving them the instructions, the guidance, and the hope that they would need to manage these next few days.  In the first part of chapter 13, we see Jesus as he demonstrates true humility, he washes the feet of his disciples.  In the next section he teaches about holiness. This is about separating yourself from the world. Not by moving to a monastery or into the hills but separating yourself by loving one another. And love in the Bible is always about doing something that benefits your neighbor. 

    In our verse for today, Jesus tells us about happiness or being blessed.  Our happiness is based in holiness and humility.  We are given Jesus’ holiness so that we can stand before God, so we can come to God in prayer in confidence.  This is given to us; we do nothing to earn it.  Because of this fact, we should be humble, humble before God. And being humble means to know, and live, that we are not capable of our own salvation or righteousness. We are totally dependent upon God’s good grace and favor. This is the heart of the humble man.

    But we see that knowing what is right isn’t enough to keep us happy; we must put this knowledge into practice.  Throughout the Bible, we see how most of the words used are action words not passive words. We are called to be “doers” living out our faith every day. Jesus has just shown his disciples a lesson in humility, in serving others; in placing the needs of our neighbor ahead of our own.  The world will ask,” how many people serve you?”  God asks us,” how many do you serve?’  How many do we help?  How many feet have you washed today?  While this may sound strange to the world, God gives us peace and happiness in our task.  We have no great effort to do to earn our salvation, we have no great work to do to battle the devil; Jesus has done this already for us.  Now that we are saved, we are free to enjoy his grace and to share his love with those around us.  This is part of God's plan for you; to enjoy the life that He gives you.  So be happy with God's blessings!

    This opportunity to serve is never far away. You do not have to go on a mission trip to Central America. Your mission trip can be with your children or grandchildren. It can be teaching Sunday School or babysitting for your neighbor down the road. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet; nothing real earth shattering in this, just a simple act of kindness before his next act of love, going to the cross. Simple acts of love, done in humility and kindness will fill your heart with blessed peace.

Lord Jesus, we are too often unhappy because we do not place our trust in you.  Forgive us for our weaknesses and sins.  Give us strength to follow you with all humility and holiness.  Use us as your hands to serve others so that we know true happiness in your grace. In your name we pray, Amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret