Getting Back to the Garden
What to do when you know what to do, but don’t want to.
Many years ago, I was part of a 50-Day Spiritual Adventure which was entitled “What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do.” It was quite helpful.
However, my problem these days is even more serious. I struggle with doing what I need to do, even when I know what that looks like.
With the cross looming over him, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:17). Washing the feet of guests was generally reserved for broken down old slaves who were not good for much else. Apparently, God is not above doing the most menial tasks.
In a sense, the washing of feet was just a practical necessity. Neither hygiene nor roads were good in those days. Before a meal, it was important that your feet be washed.
Furthermore, when people ate in those days, they were in a reclining position. This meant that one person’s nose was in the general proximity of someone else’s feet! So, Jesus was taking care of a very important olfactory matter.
In a deeper sense, Jesus was giving his disciples an example (13:15). His action was not a one-off. It was a pattern for his followers.
However, Jesus also said in verse 17, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” I really wish he hadn’t said that!
I was born outside the Garden of Eden, and have been searching for it ever since. The problem is that I am committed to searching for it only where it is not.
The Garden of Eden is not primarily a place of delight. It is primarily a place of obedience. Happiness comes only when we do what we know to do.
Anybody need their feet washed?
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