Rise To Love
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (NLT)
In April 2026, four astronauts were launched into space on Artemis II for their mission to the dark side of the moon. The pilot on the spaceship was Victor Glover. During his time in space, he marvelled at the mysteries of the universe. But he marvelled more at the most important mysteries here on Earth – love.
“As we continue to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos, I would like to remind you of one of the most important mysteries there on Earth, and that’s love. Christ said in response to what was the greatest command, that it was to love God with all that you are. ........ the second is equal to it, and that is to love your neighbour as yourself.” Victor Glover
Victor Glover’s position in space gave him a front-row seat to our planet. He saw the beauty, but he also saw a broken planet in need of God’s love. This is what Jesus came to demonstrate when He left the splendour of His heavenly home and came down to earth. Jesus’ purpose was to display God’s love by serving others. He came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28).
Rise in Humility
Jesus took on the role of a servant throughout his life on earth. His mission was to demonstrate to His followers what His kingdom looks like. He demonstrated this powerfully when He washed the disciples' feet, that last evening He spent with them. Through the washing of their feet, He expressed God’s deep, agape love for them and for all mankind. This love is what He wants us to share with others. He says in John 13:14-15 (NKJV):
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”
Jesus did the unexpected when he rose from the table to wash his disciples' feet. He calls us to rise, to let go of our pride and “wash the feet” of our fellow travellers in our broken world. Your fellow traveller may be your neighbours who have been annoying you with their loud music. Your colleague who gets on your last nerve. A family member whose snide remarks irritate you. A fellow believer who rubs you the wrong way. Let us ask the Lord to show us how we can rise from our comfort zone and stoop down in humility to serve and bless them. Let us do the unexpected so that the power of His kingdom will be demonstrated.
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:6 (NKJV)
Reflection:
Take time to think about how you could “wash the feet” of those with whom you have difficulty getting along.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving me the example to wash others’ feet. I pray for wisdom to know how to do this for others who are struggling in this broken world. Help me to demonstrate Your love and the power of Your kingdom to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
