Washed Clean To Serve

"When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 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 also should do as I have done to you.'" (1)

"Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.'" (2)

Discalced

The barefoot spirit feels its sin
As sludge oozing between its toes;
Repentant, it yearns to begin
A clean start as God's mercy flows.

The barefoot spirit romps with glee
In Father's pastures, lush and green.
Restored to life by His mercy,
It revels: free, consoled, and clean.

The barefoot spirit trudges on
Through parched grasses and desert sand.
It must endure (the rains are gone),
And persevere as God has planned.

The barefoot spirit stoops to serve
And nurse its neighbor's aching feet.
Faithful servants do not deserve
Reward -- their duty is replete.

The barefoot spirit finds its rest
In silence at the Master's feet.
In prayer, the Master is its guest;
It listens to the Word's heartbeat.

On foot, we serve with love outpoured;
To feel the footsteps of the Lord!






(c) Paul Buis, 2001

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(1) John 13:12-15
(2) Luke 7:44-47