DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR DECEMBER 20, 2022 ( IS NOT PUFFED UP BY SUCCESS)
TOPIC : IS NOT PUFFED UP BY SUCCESS
TEXT: John 13:1-15
1. Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
3. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4. He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6. Then cometh he to Simon Peter; and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7. Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit; and ye are clean, but not all.
11. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13. Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am.
14. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
KEY VERSE:
“He … took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” – (John 13:3,4).
MESSAGE
Success changes people’s lifestyle. Once there is a change in one’s status financially, politically or socially, a change in the person’s lifestyle and behaviour follows immediately. The person begins to change his appearance, carriage, conduct, duties and even associates.
It is common to find those who have become elevated by success to begin to distance and detach themselves from their former associates.
Those who were once their friends, co-workers, etc., can no longer have access to them let alone serve them. They have become puffed up by success.
Our passage brings us to Jesus’ last days on earth. Knowing that He is God, has all things in His possession and was soon to return to heaven, He did the most astonishing thing never done by those who have sensed success close or have tasted a bit of it. He decided to do a duty reserved only for slaves and servants by washing the feet of His disciples.
This appears most demeaning and below His status that Peter initially protested against having his feet washed by Him. But Jesus had a strong message to teach.
He was acknowledged as Lord and Master but still washed His followers’ feet. This was a powerful and very striking lesson in humility. They were not to allow any position they may attain in life to stop them from rendering service to one another.
How we need to learn the lesson afresh today! It is sad to see how many people allow the little success they have attained create a gulf between them and those with whom they once associated.
That you have a new job, got promoted at work, had a major breakthrough in business or have risen in ranks in the church or society should not make you abandon those with whom you once rubbed shoulders .
Remember, “Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
We must stoop very low if we wish to reach very high.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ezekiel 9-13
