John 13:5-7 (NKJV) Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”
Who does not want to be honored? Each of us wants recognition and sincere appreciation. It is a part of human nature. But it is the person who wants to serve others that is truly blessed. Luke 22:27 (NKJV) says 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. Is it not the one who serves who will be honored by the Father because they are more like Christ? Did Paul not ask us to be imitators of Christ? How better to serve than to serve like Christ?
In April 2015, I was among a group of people who understand what it means to serve. I was in La Entrada, Honduras at the Hearts for Honduras School with the Dental Team to do the yearly checkups for the 211 students, the teachers and the staff. I was one of 22 people who took vacation time to serve others. What an honor to be among these fine people. Their Christ-like example humbles me. It is not often you read a Scripture passage and then get to see it lived out in front of you. I did! Our group ranged in age from 22 to 70 all with the common goal of serving the people of HFH School. They were the hands and feet of Christ showing the love of Jesus in action and not just words. But why did this group choose to take time away from friends, family and business to help people they did not even know? Some of them are “repeat offenders” having served on the team 12+ times.
Why would someone give up their vacation for this? For me, it is such a blessing to be allowed to serve. My service was to the 15 people who were doing the dental checkups. I was the person sterilizing the instruments used to perform the service and they kept me busy. I got the honor of serving those who serve! Also, I got the chance to witness the enthusiasm with which they served. I got the chance to encourage team members when things were tough. The work was hard. We saw about 260 patients in four days. We worked from 8 am to 6 pm those four days. We spoke about the reasons for the service. We want to build the Kingdom and serve as Jesus asked us to serve; to take care of the widows and orphans.
We are also called to build relationships. It is only through a relationship that someone can be drawn to Christ. It must first be our relationship to a person that allows us to speak about a relationship to Christ. The most striking memory of this week for me was of Lizmarie; a six year old girl who was terrified of the visit. She sat in Kathy’s chair crying and would not let Kathy examine her teeth. Kathy was awesome and patiently showed her it was only a mirror and then demonstrated what the instruments would do but Lizmarie would have none of it! I worked right next to Kathy’s chair and wondered what Jesus would have me do. I got the strong feeling (that’s how God speaks to me) that Lizmarie needed a hand to hold so I took off my gloves and cleaned my hands. Then, I sat next to Lizmarie and held her hand. Her crying subsided and slowly, she allowed Kathy to do the cleaning and sealing of her teeth. God brought Lizmarie to Kathy because of her comforting way and called me to reassure Lizmarie. He used our gifts to bless one of His children. Lizmarie rose up victorious and with clean teeth! And what a blessing that was to us!
Have you ever been called to serve but hesitated because you are not sure what or how to do it? Don’t worry! He will help and care for you. God does not call the equipped; He equips the called! So answer the call! There are many opportunities and many places. When you hear that still small voice saying “maybe I can do this” say YES! Jesus did not have to wash the disciple’s feet. He chose to do it. He goes on to tell us that “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Well Lord, now, I understand!
Lord, thank You that you call us to serve! Thank you for allowing me to serve with such a wonderful group of selfless people this last year. Thank you that we were able to change lives in Honduras in Your name and with Your provision. Thank you for all those who support Hearts for Honduras mission and bless each one of them. Bless all our sponsors. Bless all my team members and keep us safe until we meet again in Your name. All glory and honor are Yours. Thank You for the blessings of fellowship and safety You gave us by Your grace on this mission. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!