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Word Day 12 Do As I Do: Digging Deeper

May 4, 2021 by Lisa Marcelina Leave a Comment

Word Day 12 Do As I Do: Digging Deeper

Lisa Marcelina

May 4, 2021

Christ,Digging Deeper,Follow,God,Grace,He,Jesus,Love,Purpose,Relationship,Scripture

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Do As I Do"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 13:12-17

When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you?” You call me Teacher and Lord – and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. So if I, 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 also should do just as I have done for you. Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed to do them.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Jesus ask the disciples if they knew what He had done for them? (verse 12)

After Jesus washed the disciples’ feet He replaced His robe and proceeded to engage them in conversation as to why He did what He did. Previously, in verse 4, Jesus removed His robe after the Passover meal and wrapped a towel around His waist in preparation for foot washing.

This common gesture of wearing a towel signified Jesus taking on the role of a slave. This would have baffled the disciples! Only slaves washed the feet of their master, but not even Jewish slaves were allowed to wash their masters’ feet (NKJV Chronological Study Bible Notes). To watch Jesus undertake such a menial task would have been beyond the understanding of the disciples.

Many a time the disciples did not understand what Jesus was doing or teaching; Jesus knew they could be “slow” to understand. In Mark 8:14-21 Jesus told His disciples to watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees, but even as they discussed it among themselves, they did not understand Jesus’ meaning. They concluded His remark was because they’d forgotten to bring bread. Jesus rebuked them harshly and asked, “Don’t you understand yet?”. (Mark 8:21)

In Matthew 15:2-19, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on hand-washing traditions instead of God’s heart to honor Him. The disciples told Jesus the Pharisees were offended, but Jesus told them to leave the Pharisees alone as they were blind and were leading each other into a pit. The disciples again, not understanding, asked Jesus to explain. Jesus responded, “Do you still lack understanding?”. (Matthew 15:16) 

There were even times the disciples were afraid to ask Jesus questions. (Mark 9:30-32, John 16:16-19) Because His example of humble servitude was so critically important to His disciples imitating, He wanted to be sure they understood the full weight of His actions.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Jesus ask the disciples if they knew what He had done for them? (verse 12)

On many occasions, the disciples didn’t understand what Jesus said or why He did some of the things He did. Jesus even had to rebuke them at times for taking His intended meaning beyond what He wanted them to understand.

Can we blame them? After all, Jesus was God in the flesh. It would have been difficult for them to understand His divinity just as it is for us today. Sometimes, we go through difficult circumstances that leave us questioning God.

A few years ago, I was betrayed by a close family member. When it happened, I was in total shock. I felt like Joseph when his brothers placed him in a pit and sold him into slavery. (Genesis 37:12-36) My life literally shattered that day! All I could think is, “Why?!”. I prayed for God to give me answers, but it was slow.

He kept telling me to be patient. Little by little, things were revealed until I had the whole story. We need to wait on God to give His answers in His time. He is faithful to reveal Himself in the context of a relationship with Him as we study Scripture, listen to sermons, and seek wise counsel from other believers in Jesus.

Even in the struggle, God graciously gives purpose. It wasn’t until Jesus’ death and resurrection that the disciples fully understood that Jesus’ example of humble servitude was to be the foundation by which they extended the love of Jesus to others.

Are there circumstances in your life you don’t understand? Instead of worrying, or bringing your own solution, ask God for guidance through prayer. Read the Scriptures and seek godly counsel. He will be faithful to reveal His answer in His time. Just be patient.

The Original Intent

2) Why did Jesus command the disciples to wash one another’s feet? (verse 14)

Jesus wanted the disciples to understand what being humble, loving, and serving others really meant. Jesus knew a mere parable would not suffice, so He went out of His way to actively demonstrate what humility looked like by washing the filthy feet of His disciples. This act of humble love was an entirely new concept for the disciples. 

John Dickson explains, “The word humility in both the ancient Greek and Latin meant low, as in low to the ground. It had an entirely negative connotation. In a world that loved reputation and honour above pretty much anything else, humility just didn’t make sense.”

Jesus wanted His disciples to become humble servants of each other and those around them who desperately needed to experience Christ’s offer to rescue them from sin. The only way for the disciples to grasp this concept was for Jesus to live it out for them in an unforgettably tangible way. He then commanded them to follow His example and do the same.

The Everyday Application

2) Why did Jesus command the disciples to wash one another’s feet? (verse 14)

The command to wash one another’s feet in humble service extends to us as Christ-followers also. Jesus was the epitome of humility, and we are called to be like Him. (Romans 8:29) 

It doesn’t matter if we are the CEO of a company or a janitor, all who have surrendered their lives to Jesus are to serve others with humble hearts. I know someone who refused to help a former employee when he became Department Manager (we’ll call him C). The employee (P) was so disappointed. P confided to me that when C worked with him before becoming Manager, he would assist him in anything he needed. As Manager, however, C refused to take his calls. P couldn’t believe he was treated in such a manner after all he did for C when they worked together.

We, as Christians are called to service regardless of our position in life. Philippians 2:3 states, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves”. As Christians, we need to wash each other’s feet.

The Original Intent

3) What did Jesus mean by “a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him”? (verse 16)

If Jesus, as their Teacher and Lord, could do such a menial task as wash their feet, then the disciples, as His students, are not above Him, and should do likewise. They were to follow His example and become servants. Jesus expressed this sentiment many times as He modeled a life of love for His disciples. (Matthew 10:24, Luke 6:40)

In Luke’s record of the Passover where Jesus washed their feet, a dispute arose among the disciples about who should be considered the greatest. (Luke 22:24) It could be this discourse that prompted Jesus to embark on the foot washing ceremony. Jesus told them not to be like the kings who rule over the Gentiles because their main concern was status. Instead, Jesus’ disciples must be like Him and serve with humble love. (Luke 22:27)

The Everyday Application

3) What did Jesus mean by “a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him”? (verse 16)

“The world asks, “How many people work for you?”, but the Lord asks, “For how many people do you work?”” (Warren W. Wiersbe). A friend told me, while he was at the bank one day, he observed the CEO walking the floor. There was a piece of paper on the ground. The CEO, without thinking twice, picked it up, threw it away and continued walking the floor. My friend was absolutely amazed because, in his mind, the CEO could have easily called the janitor or another employee to pick up the trash. But he didn’t, he did it himself. This showed his humility. It wasn’t beneath him to pick up that paper.

Loving and serving others isn’t about us, but Who we work for. Whatever we do, we are to do it for the benefit of others and, most importantly, for the glory of God. (Colossians 3:17) Reiterating Philippians 2:3, other people are more important than us, and our job as Christians is to serve them. If Jesus did it, so should we! (Philippians 2:5-11)

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demonstrate,disciples,example,faithful,honor,humble,I Do,Servent,Teacher,Teaching,Word
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The truest test of a disciple of Jesus is how we love.

Today, it’s often difficult to see love in action, especially if we focus on the media’s newsfeed. With sin and brokenness ruling our world, the selfless love modeled by Jesus doesn’t take the spotlight.

Therefore it takes courage….. To stand against the norm and love like Jesus. To defend the bullied or mistreated. To serve both the arrogant and the diseased. To sacrificially love those society has rejected.

This kind of love…. requires a boldness only available through the power of the God who gave Himself entirely for us. When we love like Jesus, we risk ridicule or even bodily harm. Loving like Jesus isn’t easy.
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Posted in: Christ, Digging Deeper, Follow, God, Grace, He, Jesus, Love, Purpose, Relationship, Scripture Tagged: demonstrate, disciples, example, faithful, honor, humble, I Do, Servent, Teacher, Teaching, Word

Anchored Day 11 The Lord’s Gym

March 4, 2019 by Sara Cissell 3 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

Colossians 3:12-4:1
Proverbs 27:17-19
Titus 2

Anchored, Day 11

“You are doing it so incredibly wrong.”
I whispered this to myself as I watched.
The beginning of the year had arrived and with it, the social media broadcasts of New Year’s resolutions.

A friend had posted a video of an individual working out at the gym in a bit of an…um…unorthodox fashion. His limbs flailed about, and it looked like he was trying to unsuccessfully unhook his feet from the elastic band rather than using it to actually work out.

I recognize I’m not known for faithful gym attendance, so my insight on exercise machines is limited. That being said, I knew this individual danced on the edge of seriously hurting himself and, more than likely, wasn’t actually working out successfully.

However, the images in the video and my immediate reaction replayed in my mind long after I’d scrolled past it. He was clearly failing miserably at his desire to improve and succeed at working out. The more I considered this, the more I wondered at what could have helped him effectively reach his goal.

This list began to formulate in my mind:
Observe: I knew the gentleman used the machine incorrectly because I had seen others use that machine correctly in the past. Even though I had never used it before myself, I knew his muscles were not being challenged by his floundering performance.

Ask: Since I do not have large degrees of experiential wisdom on various weight machines in a gym, before using one, I would ask a more seasoned professional to show me how to use the machine and what using it effectively would feel like.

Trust: The man’s movements were grandiose and eye-catching, while inconsistent and uncontrolled. Effectively using the equipment requires dependable, controlled, and, often times, humble moves repeatedly done over time. It is through this process dramatic change is eventually seen.
Interestingly, the gym isn’t the only place this list can be implemented. As I read through the last half of Colossians 3, I pictured myself working spiritual muscles. These fourteen verses (3:12-4:1) are an intense spiritual workout when regularly implemented in life. Their impact can literally change the world on the grand scale, while, on an individual scale, they will shape the sphere of influence a person has. These verses are not for the faint of heart nor are they to be used like the gentleman in the video: inappropriately, without wisdom, and lacking discipline.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
compassionate hearts,
kindness,
humility,
meekness,
patience,
bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another,
forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
And above all these put on love,
which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
(Colossians 3:12-14)

Observe: Who around you demonstrates the love of the Lord well? How do they show His love? Who knows the Word of the Lord and how have you seen them growing in their wisdom and knowledge? Which marriages around you encourage and challenge you to live out Colossians 3? What do you observe about their interactions?
Take the observations you see and present them to the Lord. Ask Him to speak to you regarding those and how He may want those to be reflected in your life, through your personality, and within your sphere of influence.

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior,
not slanderers or slaves to much wine.
They are to teach what is good,
and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,
to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind,
and submissive to their own husbands,
that the word of God may not be reviled.
(Titus 2:3-5)

Ask: Titus calls generations to learn from one another. Maybe the Lord is calling you to step out and ask for wisdom from someone who has already walked the path ahead of you. Who around you is the Lord highlighting from whom you may learn and grow in your walk with Him? Take a step beyond simply observing and learn from those around you by asking to intentionally engage with them. We are called to live in unity and these interactions are a key component of unity.

Set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on earth.
For you have died, and your life is
hidden with Christ in God.
(Colossians 3:2-3)

Trust: Being obedient to the call to “put on Christ” in Colossians and all of Scripture, requires consistent humility, self-control, and repetitive strength-training for our spiritual muscles. It requires a dying to oneself and a living for Christ; a willingness to serve where He directs and stretching that results in growth.
Time will be required and changes may seem minute until hindsight reveals the treasures produced by the process.

As I ponder and pray and ask myself these questions,
I find my heart’s cry to be deep.

I recognize I cannot live a Colossians 3 lifestyle
without the help of the Holy Spirit living within me.
Therefore, I leave you with this prayer as I spend time with Jesus on this topic regarding my own time in the gym with the Lord.
May you be blessed in your conversations with Him!

“Oh Lord, please pour out Your wisdom and mercy.
Help me know I am loved by You and teach me to love as You have loved.
Convict my heart of its shortcomings, so when people see me the words “you are doing it so incredibly wrong” never cross their minds.
Not by my strength, but by Yours!
For Your glory, Lord Jesus.”

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Posted in: Anchored, Colossians, Discipline, Jesus, Love, Trust, Wisdom Tagged: ask, demonstrate, Exercise, Gym, learning, Muscles, Observer, stretch

Tabernacle Day 6 Purpose & Pieces

June 25, 2018 by Tawnya Smith Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Leviticus 17:11
Exodus 25:21-22
Hebrews 10:19-23
Hebrews 4:14-16
Hebrews 7:25 

Tabernacle, Day 6

The Old Testament laws and details of the Tabernacle have sometimes felt cold and distant to me.  I have wondered at the seemingly stark difference in the way God related to His people in the Old Testament and in the New.  I’ve even disregarded the Old Testament covenants and laws entirely, with the excuse that I am under a new covenant.  The fault in this perspective is that it fails to look at these ancient ways through the lens of Jesus. 

Over the last few years God has shown me that everything in Scripture, everything in God’s story with mankind, is strategically there to point us to Jesus.  When we choose eyes to see it this way, these seemingly dry, dusty concepts come alive with incredible insight, hope, and glory.  Let’s consider the Old Testament Tabernacle that God instructed His people to construct as a means to worship Him. (and since this will stretch our imaginations, here is a Super Helpful Visual!)

THE TABERNACLE 
The Court of the Tabernacle
The Bronze Altar was the first thing an Israelite encountered after entering the Tabernacle tent.  God told the people to bring their animal sacrifices here. The priests stood by to assist in the slaughtering, burning, and catching of the blood. It’s a horrific thing to imagine, especially for our modern minds. Yet, then and now, it was meant to demonstrate the horrifying nature of our sin. The animal represented the sinner, and its blood was shed to atone for the individual’s sin, according to God’s instruction in Leviticus 17:11. These were not once and done sacrifices, but were offered repeatedly for sin.  

Praise be to God that He sent an even better, eternal and perfect sacrifice in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ.  How incredible to know that because of this we were “ransomed…with the precious blood of Christ, like that without blemish or spot.” (I Peter 1:18-19) 

The Bronze Basin was set up immediately after the Altar and right outside the entrance to the Holy Place. Here, God required priests to wash their hands and feet before entering, so that they would not die (Exodus 30:20). Being pure in the presence of God was of paramount importance. 

In reality, no amount of water can truly wash away our sin-stained hearts. Christ made a way for us to be cleansed forever.  Hebrews 1:3b tells us that “After making purification for sins, he [Jesus] sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high”. 

The Holy Place
After entering the Holy Place, you would find the Golden Lampstand made entirely of gold. God gave instructions for the stand to be shaped as an almond tree.  Each branch had a golden flower that held an oil lamp.  These lamps were kept continually lit by priests.  

Jesus came and declared Himself the Light of the World (John 8:12), telling us that if we follow Him, we will actually live in the light of His life.   

The Table of Showbread was made out of acacia wood and overlaid with gold.  It held the Bread of the Presence, which was a special bread prepared weekly for the Sabbath as a memorial food offering. As priests, Aaron and his sons were the only ones allowed to eat this special bread.  

Jesus fulfilled this requirement by being the very Bread of Life (John 6:35).  We know that He is the only one who truly satisfies our hunger and gives eternal sustenance. We are promised that when we seek the Lord with our heart’s hunger, we will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10). 

The Altar of Incense was the last structure housed in the Holy Place. It was stationed just in front of the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, God’s very dwelling. The Lord gave Aaron the job of continually burning incense in the morning and evening as an offering to the Lord.  

The placement of the altar of incense, (just before the curtain to the holy of holies), gives us the image of Christ as our intercessory incense (Hebrews 7:25). He fulfilled this requirement when He gave Himself up as an aroma to God on the cross. Just as His flesh was torn, so was the curtain, allowing us into the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-20). 

The Holy of Holies
The Ark itself was a box made out of Acacia wood, and overlaid with gold.  The cover on the box is referred to as the Mercy Seat and was also overlaid with gold. God instructed that two gold-hammered angels be set on top of the Mercy Seat. The entire Ark of the Covenant was the exact place God chose to dwell with His people. He told Moses He would meet with him, and speak to him here. (Exodus 25:21-22) 

When Christ gave His life as a redemptive sacrifice, He paid our sin debt in full, giving us not only complete access to God, but also making our heart a place where God’s Spirit chooses to dwell. (1 Corinthians 3:16) 

HE IS WORTHY
Seeing that Christ came and fulfilled every requirement of the law proves He is truly worthy of our worship! Revelation 5:9 says,  “And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.’” And in 4:11 the angels sing, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” 

God no longer requires the worship of animal sacrifices on an altar, because Christ completely atoned for our sin. However, as a follower of Christ, true worship does require our lives. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship.  

This looks like daily taking up our cross by dying to our own desires, control and little kingdoms, and living a life that points entirely to Jesus and His kingdom.

One Old Testament Tabernacle, with all of its ornate and intricate details pointed to One Glorious King, who would come to rescue us from sin and redeem us that God might forever dwell with man.
Not in a box, but in our hearts!  

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Tabernacle Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Tabernacle!

Posted in: Believe, Dwell, God, Gospel, Grace, Hope, Jesus, Love, Purpose, Redemption, Sacrifice, Scripture, Sin Tagged: ancient ways, demonstrate, fault, laws, light, Old Testament, purpose, scripture, Sin

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