Blessed to be a blessing
by Pastor Mark Lieschke
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I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15).
If I knew I was going to die in a week, I imagine I wouldn’t just waste the time away. I’d think that I’d take care of some really important things. I’d probably prioritise my time and use it in the most effective way I could.
On the night before Jesus died, he knew his time was coming to an end. Death was only a few hours away for him. So, he did what was most important to him. He spent time with his friends.
St John takes four chapters to record what Jesus said to his disciples. He taught, encouraged, comforted, made promises, warned, gave them hope, and prayed for them.
And he began all this by serving them – getting on his knees and washing their feet.
What a great example for our lives and service as God’s people. What better model could we have than that of Jesus, serving; the Lord and King of the universe, getting down on his knees and washing people’s feet.
We can all learn a lesson from that. We can all be challenged to live and serve in that way, putting others before ourselves in importance, giving of ourselves in self-sacrifice, and putting ourselves out for the sake of others.
But if all that Jesus left us was an example to follow, then we’d have a model to imitate but not a Saviour to pick us up when we fail him.
We need more than a model person to follow. We need more than a set of rules to follow. We need more than a person who gives us instructions and shows us how we should live.
We need Jesus to come and wash our feet. And he does. He comes to serve us, touch our lives, wash us clean, renew and refresh us, forgive us, heal us, and equip and inspire us for service in his kingdom.
He comes to us so that we can be absolutely confident about his love for us, his promises to us and his presence with us.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you have come to minister to us. We stand in awe of your humble, gracious acts of service. Fill us with your Spirit so that we can reflect your love in our lives. Renew us each day, and give us joy in living for you. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Mark Lieschke is a retired pastor living on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. He served in parishes in Adelaide, Palmerston North and Marton (both in New Zealand) and Wagga Wagga (school and congregation) before being elected as bishop of the New South Wales District of the LCANZ. He and his wife Meredith have four children (two of which live in Canada) and two grandchildren. Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking on the beach and resting.
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