Clean feet, clean hands

John 13:2-7

Footwashing occurs frequently in the Old and New Testaments. Generally, there were two known situations where footwashing was observed: domestic settings for hygiene and comfort, and domestic settings devoted to hospitality. In the Torah, priests were required to wash their hands and feet before entering the holy place of the tabernacle to offer sacrifices on the altar. Moses received these commands in Exodus 30:17-21. The hands and feet would be washed regularly because of their relatively higher exposure to being contaminated. In the Old Testament it is common to associate footwashing with the priestly admission into the tabernacle and temple as well. Footwashing also prepared you for a variety of activities, like a meal for example, and was used for personal hygiene and comfort, as mentioned earlier. One of the primary forms of footwashing was as a sign of welcome.

In our text, we find where Jesus had finished supper, and began to wash the disciple’s feet. This act wasn’t a knock against tradition, instead, Jesus felt the need to teach another example of humility to His unwise disciples, after they held an ill-timed discussion concerning which of them should be accounted the greatest in the Kingdom. How could they think on such things during the final hours of Jesus’ time on the earth? While all their attention should have been focused on the sufferings Jesus was about to endure, the disciples chose to care more about their status in the kingdom, than on the unbearable persecution Christ was soon to face.

Even today, many churches still practice the footwashing tradition, and I’m in full support of it, but it hasn’t removed that same evil spirit that causes men to fight over power and position. It is still being manifested in churches across the globe, despite how clean the members feet may be. In Matthew 18, Jesus had rebuked this same spirit by setting a little child in the midst of the disciples, and said they had to become as little children, and not seek to hold authority over one another. Years after this teaching, the disciples still didn’t learn their lesson. Before He left the scene, Jesus had a desire to do away with this spirit for worldly honor and recognition, because this behavior could have become detrimental to the foundation of the church.

As the body of Christ, we too must get rid of the spirit of self-exaltation, and the desire to have rule and authority over all other Christians, because refusing to do so can severely damage our mission and purpose to win the lost. Our reflection of godliness is marred when we give in to satan, and his unholy ways, so love one another, as Christ loves us. Whether you participate in footwashing, or some other outward act of humility, make sure that after all you do, you heart changes too.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Lord’s supper shared with disciples

Luke 22:14-23

The final moments Jesus spent with His disciples were bittersweet, to say the least. He could sense, and feel the pain and suffering soon to come, yet He made time to commune with those closest to Him. Jesus’ final words to the apostles were more than likely not fully understood, as always, when He explained that the cup they drank from represented the new testament in His blood, which would soon be shed for them. Not only was the wine symbolic of Christ’s suffering, but the bread that was blessed, broken, and distributed to the disciples was symbolic of Christ’s soon to be marred, and striped body, which was necessary for our spiritual healing.

As the men drank and ate, Jesus continued to prophesy, as He exposed the ill intentions of one of their very own sitting among them at the table. What do you do, when you’re having dinner with your enemy, and you know their plan to try and destroy you? Jesus was fully aware that Judas would betray Him, yet didn’t confront him as many of us would today, but only exposed his motive, in a final attempt to allow him the opportunity to perhaps change his mind. Unfortunately, money was more important than covering a friend, so Judas followed through with his betrayal.

I won’t make this lesson about Judas, but I will acknowledge the fact that many of us know who our enemies are, and may even have dinner with them. As believers, we must follow in the footsteps of Christ, and not allow the wicked plans of men to take our minds off God, because there’s no weapon that satan can form against us that will suffice. God fights for us, and anything the enemy attempts to cause harm or distraction to a child of God, will be met with a full force of heavenly retaliation.

No man knows the day they’ll leave this earth, so it’s wise that we take advantage of every opportunity to love everyone we can, and appreciate those who mean much to us while they’re still here. Even those who don’t have our best interests at heart deserve the same love God shares with us, because God is no respecter of persons. Let love go before you in all you do, and never forget that God loved you first, so that you can know how to love others too.

Walk in love,

Ell

The heart-centered new covenant

Jeremiah 31:31-34

God never changes, and He’s been the same since the beginning. God is love, and all His words were established on this very virtue. All things that were created, God made them in love. The sun, moon, stars, trees, animals, and humans, we’re all made from the heart of the almighty God. When God chose a people from which His Son would be birthed through, His love is what established the law of Moses, by which the people were to obey and live according to a godly standard. Unfortunately, the forefathers of Israel and Judah failed to uphold their end of the covenant through simple obedience, so God had prepared a new covenant for His chosen people to abide by.

The old covenant was written on stone tablets for all men to observe and do, but the new covenant will be written on men’s hearts, and in their inward parts. The new covenant was not to be the same as the old one, but an entirely new contract, that would take the place of the law of Moses. Some may confuse the new covenant with the old one by assuming they are the same, yet written in different places, but what makes both contracts different is the content within each of them. Because of Christ, men are no longer bound by the law to be saved, but it’s by the grace of God that we obtain salvation.

While men look on the outer appearance, God looks at heart. The heart is what harbors our innermost thoughts and desires, and from it flows the issues of life. God’s new covenant makes it a lot easier for men to obey, because He will literally write His law in men’s hearts, so they’ll have no excuse not to acknowledge Him in all ways, and serving Him would come with less hindrances. Teaching the Word will no longer be necessary to the future Israel, because every man will have the Word already printed inside of them. What a glorious day it will be when God’s people will be filled with His Word, Spirit, and desire to live as they were intended to from the very beginning!

Im not totally well-versed in prophecy and end-time events, but I do know that I’m not an Israelite (as many African Americans have been led to believe today), and one thing’s for certain, Israel won’t be the only nation living according to God’s standard in the last days. As a member of the body of Christ, I have also vowed to hide God’s Word in my heart, that I might not sin against Him. As a believer, I am also under the heart-centered new covenant between God and His people, and I will maintain the standard required to uphold my end of the contract, so that God can be free to uphold His as well.

Walk in love,

Ell

Preparation for the Passover meal

Mark 14:12-16

Before Jesus was to face trial and mockery of those who sought to end His life, He and His disciples had prepared to take the Passover early. He was to become the Passover for the whole world the following evening, during the regular time the Passover was to take place, so He deemed it appropriate to share a final moment with His disciples before His own life was sacrificed.

After the Passover lamb was killed, the disciples inquired of Jesus where they were to prepare it, so that He could eat it. Just as Jesus gave instructions to His disciples to find an untamed colt prepared for Him to ride on as He entered Jerusalem, there was another man prepared to be used by God, so that Christ could fulfill His mission. Jesus sent two disciples into the city, and told them to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water, and whatever house he goes in, tell the owner of the house, “The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples” (vs. 14). I noticed two interesting points in these verses. First of all, women usually carried water in pitchers in those days, while the men put water in large skin bottles, and used animals to carry them. So, identifying this particular man shouldn’t have been difficult for the disciples. The second thing that caught my attention was the omniscient power Jesus was able to tap into at will. As with the colt’s owner, I’m positive Jesus never met, nor made previous arrangements with the owner of the house, but through His omnipotent and omniscient power, was He able to identify, in the spirit realm, a man who would hear the instructions of the disciples, and follow-through without hesitation or confrontation.

I’ll pause there for a moment, and submit a question to all who perhaps may read this lesson. Are you in tune with God to the point He can trust you to carry His will, without knowing all the details? There are some people, even in Scripture, who won’t budge, unless God gives them confirmation and affirmation that all will be well. Some include Thomas, Gideon, Abraham and Sarah. God can, and will use a man despite his temporary doubt and disbelief, but how much better would it be to trust God at His word, and lean not to your own understanding from the start?

So, the disciples did as Jesus instructed, and reserved a large upper room, already furnished and prepared for them to hold the passover feast. Sometimes we work so hard to to obtain things that God inspired someone else to prepare for us ahead of time. Our job is to simply be obedient to the will of God, so that we can clearly discern His instruction from our own ideas, and not miss out on the wonderful opportunities He has already prepared for us.

Walk in love,

Ell

Triumphal entry into Jerusalem

Mark 11:1-10

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was spearheaded by the preaching and prophecy of John the Baptist. John, the cousin of Jesus, was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, preparing the minds and hearts of the people to receive the coming Savior. John had gained the attention of many from his preaching and baptizing, but he announced that there was someone coming mightier than himself, who’s shoes he’s not worthy to latch. Many of the ancient shoes were only soles with strings to tie around the foot. Unlatching shoes was considered a mark of respect on the part of a disciple to a master. Knowing his role in God’s plan, John remained humble, while continuing to work diligently until his purpose was fulfilled.

When Jesus left Nazareth, He met up with John to be baptized, so that the prophecy would be fulfilled. Jesus then set off on His way to Jerusalem, to make His triumphal entry. Along that long journey to Jerusalem, Jesus gathered His disciples, taught His doctrine in the synagogues, cast out many demons, and healed some who were sick. Even before being properly introduced as the Savior, Jesus had already made a reputation for Himself. While some accepted His doctrine with appreciation, others fought against and rejected His teachings. Despite facing occasional distractions to His mission, Jesus never allowed petty agendas of evil men to thwart His progress.

As Jesus and His disciples neared Jerusalem, He gave them instructions to loose, and bring Him a colt that no one had ever ridden. He then proceeded to tell them if anyone asks about their actions, say to them, “the Lord hath need of him.” This was interesting because, an untamed colt usually submits to the Lord more than His own people. This can be referenced to John 1:11 that reads, “He came unto his own and his own received him not.” As He trodded along the roads of Jerusalem, many began to welcome Jesus’s arrival by cutting down branches from trees and laying them before His path. Those who went before, and those who trailed behind cried saying, “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:” Hosanna means, save or help now. For hundreds of years, the Jewish people had anticipated the coming of the Messiah, the One who would restore the fortunes of Israel, liberate the nation from foreign oppression, and extend His rule over Gentile nations, but Jesus came with a very different agenda. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus didn’t come from Heaven to become a celebrity on the earth, but His mission was simply to undo what the first Adam did, so that God could have His people rejoined to His family.

Although the times are looking more gloomy as the days go by, we all have an equal and hopeful opportunity to be saved from the impending judgment coming to this evil world. It’s God’s will that no one dies in their sin, but that everyone turn away from evil, and give their hearts to Him.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-14).

Walk in love,

Ell

The original Passover celebration

Deuteronomy 16:1-8

Keeping the Passover was commanded by God, so that the children of Israel would always remember the night God delivered them out of Egyptian oppression. Not only was it commanded so they’d never forget God’s unmerited grace, but also that their children, and children’s children would know what God did for His people, throughout all their generations. There would come times when the children of Israel would become faint of heart at the sign of opposition or temptation, but what God did for them in Egypt was intended to remind them that if He was able to miraculously deliver them then, He could do even greater works through them after.

In our lives, we celebrate events like weddings, birthdays, the birth of children, the revealing of the sex of a child (still scratching my head on that one), graduations, promotions, etc., but how often do we commemorate spiritual moments? For instance, as a child, I used to hear the seasoned saints often mention the actual time, date, and place they gave their hearts to God. I didn’t pay much attention to this until I got older, and realized that it was indeed helpful to think back on the time God saved you, for encouragement, enrichment, and motivational purposes. Hearing how God sustained the older believers for soooo long, encouraged me to continue walking in holiness; striving to endure to the end, as they did.

God does so many things for us that we often forget to thank Him for including breath, health, and provision. Although we may not thank God enough for what He does in our lives, we should at least have a few dates set where we stop, and give God glorious praise for things and situations He delivered us from. I’ve heard stories of some who were under the influence of certain bad habits for years, that could have even costed them their lives, but God delivered them from their addictions, and allowed them time to enjoy physical and mental health once again. Others I’ve heard were living in oppression in their own houses, being abused verbally, physically and mentally, but God stepped in right on time to save them, before they lost their lives.

Take time now to think on all the good things God did specifically for you, write them down, and as you wipe the tears from your eyes in thanks and appreciation, make a vow to never let a day go by without praising Him for what He does for you on a daily basis. Then, encourage others to do the same, so that the body of Christ can keep a mindset of gratefulness and appreciation for the One who loves and cares for us the most.

Walk in love,

Ell

Called to new life in Christ

Romans 12:1-8

When an athlete on a sports team is traded to another, one of the biggest challenges they face is adjusting to their new team’s standards, rules, and guidelines. Before, the player had a role in contributing to his or her previous team’s gameplan, but all that information is expected to be thrown out and forgotten in place of what they’ll have to conform to with the new team. They are no longer allowed to play with their new team while wearing their former team’s uniform, they are restricted from using the old team’s facilities, and that cannot wear their new uniform and attempt to play with the team they were traded from. Could you imagine watching an NBA playoff game where Stephen Curry steps on the basketball court wearing a Toronto Raptors Jersey? That would be comical, but wrong on all levels. He’s required to perform according to Golden State’s rules and guidelines during, and after gameplay.

When a sinner is converted, and enters a new life in Christ, they are no longer tied to their old way of living. All things are become new when a man gives his heart to God including his attitude, motives, and even the way he dresses himself. Believers are required to live according to God’s rules and guidelines in, and out of season. Being freed from sin and its eternal consequences, the body of Christ is expected to maintain a standard that mirrors godliness, while not conforming to the world. Through the power and grace of God, we are transformed, and our minds renewed for the purpose of living according to the will of God, until it’s completion. Believers are to recognize that it’s through our humility and unity, are we primed to be effective operating in our gifts. Just as members on a basketball team function with five players on the court from five different positions, the members of the church also function from different positions as well, but to accomplish God’s will and purposes.

The gifts or positions God has granted to His children are to be used to edify and exhort the body of believers. Not everyone can be a great point guard, or power forward, but if your position is center or shooting guard, you’re required to play your role well. God knows us better than we know ourselves, so it’s unwise to question why He gives certain gifts to some, and not to others. Do what you were called to do, and do it well. If you were called to prophesy, do it according to the proportion of faith. If ministry is your calling, be careful not to rush into it, but wait until God releases you to minister. Even those who were blessed to be wealthy, only for the purpose of being a blessing to others, give with simplicity, and don’t draw attention to yourself while doing so. Always remember to give all glory to God, for the things He has done. Those who are in the position to show mercy to others like visiting the sick and bereaved, or those who do charity work, must also be cheerful and sympathetic in their calling.

Our new life in Christ demands that love be our motivating factor, and that we work together with our fellow members, and refrain from doing things that cause division. We are one holy body, positioned to accomplish the goal before us, so walk in love and humility, and keep those around you encouraged and lifted up.

Walk in love

Ell

Living together in harmony

Romans 12:16-21

According to Google’s definition, an enemy is considered a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. Merriam-Webster defines an enemy as, one that is antagonistic to another, or one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent. In every novel or film, the enemy is usually the bad guy who plots to overthrow or eliminate the good guy, so that he can reign and rule with all authority. Did you know, that before you were saved and delivered from your sins, you were an enemy to God? Yup, all believers were, but God still showed us love, mercy, and grace, while allowing Christ to suffer, so that we could be saved. Being fully aware of the fact that God extended His love to us while we were yet sinners, I question those who claim to be sons and daughters of God, yet find it difficult to love their enemies. It’s seems as if some have forgotten that they were once sentenced to eternal damnation, and now feel that they are worthy to pass judgment on others, but they are mistaken. Our job is to love others at all cost, while God handles the judge duties.

Another reason members of the body of Christ have trouble loving others is, they aren’t all on the same page. God preserved His Word, and made certain that it was written for all to understand, but many have allowed false doctrines and teachings to cloud their judgment of God’s words, thus causing them to venture into territories believers are to keep away from including pride, selfishness, and ambitions to be rich. Many who claim to be righteous even shun away the poor, in favor of entertaining those who are rich. This is not the behavior a righteous man exhibits, but one who lacks focus and faith in the Word of God. It’s vital that believers be of the same mind, and remain humble before even attempting to do any work for God, because living in harmony is what makes ministry effective. When Paul set off on his missionary journeys, those who accompanied him were firm believers in the same God and standards he lived by. The harmony between these men of God was essential in keeping them firm and focused, even under the pressure of false accusers, and persecution.

The goal of satan is to overcome the children of God with evil, but our good is powerful enough to subdue the wicked plans of our enemy, because we operate under God’s authority. As a member of the body of Christ, seek first to maintain peace and harmony among the brethren and sisteren (I made that up 😊), so that when we witness and minister to others, our good won’t be evil spoken of, and we can leave a positive impression in the hearts and minds of those we aim to reach.

Walk in love,

Ell

Genuine love for each other

Romans 12:9-15

The human body is a unique composition of systems and parts that all act independently of one another, but are unified to accomplish the same goal. From heads, shoulders, knees and toes, to arteries and cells, God created an amazing thing when He formed man from the dust and clay of the earth. Our brain alone makes the most advanced computers look like mere childsplay. Although the human body is capable of doing many things like self-healing, processing loads of information in moments, and exhibiting exceptional physical ability, none of those awesome things can work without the presence of blood. Blood is the single most important component of the body. Blood has a number of functions that are central to survival, including supplying oxygen to cells and tissues, providing essential nutrients to cells, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose, removing waste materials, such as carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid, protecting the body from infection and foreign bodies through the white blood cells, transporting hormones from one part of the body to another, and transmitting messages, and completing important processes. Another important function of the blood is, its protective action against disease. White blood cells defend the body against infections, foreign materials, and abnormal cells. Without blood keeping the body primed and functioning, we would all be a big pile of lifeless bodies.

Just as the natural body is 100 percent dependent upon blood to function, the body of Christ would be useless and ineffective if love is absent from its members. The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, all having unique gifts, talents, and abilities granted by God. Some are profound and impactful teachers, while others make an impact with their helps or healing. No matter what gift a believer has been blessed with, he can only function properly in it when operating in love. We’ve been commanded to love our neighbors, our enemies, and those who treat us unfairly, but we must not forget to always extend genuine love to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Together, believers make up the body, and it’s critical to the effectiveness of our faith and profession that we treat each other with the love of God. It’s evident that we are living in the last and evil days, and wickedness is spreading even in churches, but that doesn’t excuse Christians from continuing to love each other.

As children of God, we are to let love be without dissimulation. That simply means we are to never mask or disguise our love toward others, but should always present the real thing. There are people who actually cover ill motives and intentions with the word, love. For example, a young boy will tell a gullible girl he loves her, and all that mushy gushy stuff, but only for the chance to take advantage of her sexually. Or, how many modern-day preachers will convince an audience the only way to prove their love for God is in how much money they put in the offering basket. That’s not love at all, but deception.

Saints are to be kindly affectioned to one another, and be sensitive so as not to pass judgment on men, but to help them when necessary. When we love others, we are rendering our due service to the Lord, and God honors our deeds because we do them to give glory to His name, and not to our own. It matters not who lacks the true understanding of what love really is, but what does matter is how you live in such a way that love is seen by others through your deeds and actions.

Walk in love,

Ell

Seek peace and pursue it

Psalm 34:1-14

When God abides in you, and you in Him, the decisions you make in life will not only be good ones, but the right ones. We learn in the book of Proverbs to acknowledge God in all our ways, in turn, He’ll direct us in the ways we should go, but the believer still functions in a flesh body, thus are still able to be influenced by sin. It’s only when we trust in ourselves, and lean on the understanding of others, do we sin and fall short of God’s wondrous glory.

King David understood that the more he trusted and depended on God, no matter what he faced in life, God would always come through for him. After every victory, accomplishment, or success, David never allowed a moment to pass without giving praise to God for His love, mercy, and protection. But the great king David had his share of moments when he took his eyes off God, and made moves from fleshly motives. He indeed suffered the consequences of his actions, but didn’t allow his mistakes to cause him to turn away from the source of his life, health, strength, and purpose. Unlike king David who made a few bad choices, but learned from them, many today get caught in cycles of bad decisions, that make it hard for them to break out of. The key to being freed from the cycle of sin and bad choices is to seek the peace that God offers, and diligently search for it. Most of our bad decisions are made when we’re stressed, frustrated, depressed, angry, tired, sad, or any other unfavorable feeling, but when God’s peace resides in our hearts, we’ll then be able to make wise choices with humility and patience.

In the same way that we search intensely for jobs, or pursuing a guy or gal, we should strive with more determination to understand the ways of the Lord. Only through God, can we land that career job that could have been impossible to get otherwise, or meet Mr. or Ms. Right, without having to spend hours on dating sites or apps. God knows all, and understands all, so why not trust Him to help you maneuver through life, rather than damaging your health by stressing over things you can’t change or understand on your own. Seek God, and pursue Him, because living on your own wisdom will lead you in places where you’ll wind up praying for Him to deliver you from anyway.

Walk in love,

Ell