Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 14:1-2, Matthew 26:1-5, Luke 22:1-2, Mark 14:10-11, Matthew 26: 14-16, Luke 22:3-6, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:3-6, Mark 14:12-16, Matthew 26:17-19, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-17, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-17, Mark 14:17-26, Matthew 26:20-30, Luke 22:14-30, John 13:18-30
This is a story from a couple of years ago, but the message is timeless)
Wow! What a morning! I am at my daughter and son-in-law’s helping with the kids while my daughter recuperates from her C-Section, so getting up early is the best time to get my devotion written. But this morning my phone alarm didn’t go off. At first I was very frustrated, but then I thought “this must be Romans 8:28 morning! It certainly was; the Holy Spirit was giving me a real life example for today’s devotion.
One of the things I’ve been doing since I’ve been here is to get my grandson up, dressed, and off to school. It sure brings back memories of the days when my kids were little. Today is dress-up day for Gavin’s kindergarten class. He had it all planned, he was going to be Indiana Jones. Last night before bed he laid out his costume and this morning that was the first thing he mentioned as he crawled down the steps from his top bunk bed.
After breakfast he put his costume on and realized it was too small. He said, “I’ll just wear my regular clothes. My teacher said that’s okay.” After a couple of minutes he remembered he had another costume, a Star Wars “something,” so he decided to wear that one.
All of a sudden he stops and looks down at the floor; I ask him what’s wrong.
He said, “Nanu, sometimes I get embarrassed. If I wear this costume all the kids are going to look at me.”
I gave him a hug and said he didn’t have to wear it if he didn’t want to, but it would really be fun to be dressed up like everyone else.
So we picked out regular clothes and he got dressed.
I sent him back to his room for his socks and in a few minutes he came down the stairs with his costume on. I said, “Gavin, I’m so proud of you for deciding to have fun and wear your costume!”
So I sent him off to find his shoes and in a couple of minutes he came back, with his regular clothes on. He said, “I’ll be too embarrassed.”
By this time we’re getting close to being late for school, so I suggested he wear his regular clothes and take his costume in his book bag; he thought that was a good idea.
I can relate to Gavin’s feelings. I don’t like to draw attention to myself; I like to blend in with everyone else.
I wonder how many times I’ve missed an opportunity to step out and doing something great for God because I didn’t want to be embarrassed?
But is that what Jesus wants us to do?
Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. –John 13:3-5 (NLT)
Can you imagine having a dinner party with twelve of your closest friends and wrapping a towel around your waist, pouring water in a basin, and kneeling down in front of each of your friends and washing their feet?
It was just as unusual in Jesus’ day as it would be today because only servants washed people’s feet.
Why wasn’t Jesus embarrassed to do something so unheard of in His culture?
Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. –John 13:3 (NLT)
This same confidence is available to every Christ follower. Here’s the problem: The world tells us we need self-esteem to be our best, but through Jesus’ example we see that we need God- esteem.
If we know
- Who God is
- That we were made by God for a purpose
- That God has given us authority to fulfill His purpose and plans for our lives
- We will return to God when our purpose is completed
Then…
We can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength. –Philippians 4:13
I hope Gavin is able to overcome his fear of drawing attention to himself today. God has great plans for his life and stepping out from the crowd it part of every believer’s calling.
Heavenly Father, I pray that you help us to work to grow in God-esteem more than self-esteem. Help us to remember that at the end of our life Your opinion is really all that matters. Use us for your Kingdom and Your Glory today.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!
© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: John 13:31-38, Mark 14:27-31, Matthew 25:31-35, Luke 22:31-38, John 14:1-15:17
