"Clean Feet" June 10 Readings: 1 Chronicles 1-5 , John 13:1–20, Psalm 72:4–10, Proverbs 14:31–32

Today's Readings - 1 Chronicles 1-5 , John 13:1–20, Psalm 72:4–10, Proverbs 14:31–32

Devotional - Clean Feet 

Peter did it again. Once more he put his foot in his mouth as he reacted to Jesus Christ. This time, in John 13:1-11, his response was to Jesus washing his feet. At first, he was horrified that the Master would do something so degrading as to take a cloth and wash the disciples' feet. That was lowly, for the servants, beneath him. No matter how many times Jesus had taught about servant-leadership it just never seemed to get through to these guys.

But Jesus spoke, in verse 8, of the necessity of the kind of cleansing Jesus was doing. Peter would "have no part in me" if he did not submit to the cleansing.

To his credit, Peter wanted what Jesus was offering. In fact, in verse 9 he took it one step farther.

"Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head." 

I want it all! Wash me from head to toe, Jesus. That was a noble sentiment, but Jesus told him that it was as wrong as the first thought. He needed to be cleansed, but not to be bathed.

"One who has bathed does not need to wash anything except his feet." 

Have you ever wondered why we preach that our sins have all been forgiven in Christ, and yet we also tell folks that they need to confess their sins regularly, daily? Jesus' words here draw that distinction pretty well.

I have been bathed in the cleansing power of Christ, plunged into the fountain drawn from Immanuel's vein, and like all sinners, have lost all my guilty stain. At the moment I trusted Christ as my Savior, so many years ago, I received complete, full and unmeasured forgiveness for all my sins - those I had committed previously and every sin I would ever commit until the day I die. I was washed in the blood of the Lamb and no other sacrifice for sin is every needed to pay completely for my transgressions.

But still, as I walk through the day, I get some of the dirt of this world on my feet. I'm still a sinner after all. So, having been bathed, I go to Jesus to have my feet washed. I confess my sin and he is faithful and just to forgive my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

The forgiveness of sin is both eternal and temporal. I am forgiven in Christ of all my sins, but I still need forgiveness from Christ on a daily basis.

Father, I thank you that my sins are paid for and that I have been bathed in the blood of Christ that never loses its power to save. Thank you, Lord. But I also confess my sin to you today and ask for your forgiveness and grace for this day. Lord, you have bathed me in your grace. Now, with that same grace, I ask you to wash my feet. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

What of the world's dirt has collected on your feet?
Having been cleansed, forgiven, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, remember to seek the cleansing power of Christ within for the daily dirt of this world.

"For Man's Applause" June 9 Readings: 2 Kings 24-25, John 12:27–50, Psalm 72:1–3, Proverbs 14:29-30

Today's Readings - 2 Kings 24-25, John 12:27–50, Psalm 72:1–3, Proverbs 14:29-30

Devotional - For Man's Applause

As the final clash neared, the sides were chosen. Many loved him and were excited about the things he was saying and doing. Others were plotting his demise, scheming to have him betrayed and planning his execution. But there was a third group, a large group, but a sad group as well.

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue. (John 12:42)

There was a large group among the powerful and influential of Jerusalem, among the rulers of the city, who believed that Jesus was the Christ, God's chosen one for his people. But these were the silent saints who put their power and prestige ahead of their beliefs. They did not want to lose their places of honor or be kicked out of the synagogue, so they shut up about Jesus.

While the religious leaders plotted and planned, they did nothing. While they schemed against Jesus, these men did not whisper a complaint. They cared too much about themselves.

Were they true disciples? I do not know and cannot say. Perhaps later they made complete commitments to Christ and stood for him. We will only know in heaven. But this we know - at this point they put their own needs, status, and reputation ahead of Christ. Look at the indictment John gave against them in verse 43.

For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

They cared more about what other people thought of them than what God thought of them. They lived to please others instead of God. Their lives were defined by the opinions of others more than God's. And that is sin!

May we never be those who live for self and according to the opinions of man for the praise of man. May we be those who live for God's glory and to hear heaven's applause.

Father, you know that my heart loves to hear the applause of man and that all too often I am controlled by the opinions of others about me. Break me, Lord, of that sinful slavery and give me the freedom to live for your pleasure and yours alone. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Are you ever tempted to keep your convictions silent, to shade the truth or withhold its proclamation to protect your position or maintain your status?

How much do you live for the applause of man or the pleasure of God? 

"When God's Word Is Harsh" June 8 Readings: 2 Kings 21-23, John 12:1–26, Psalm 71:15–24, Proverbs 14:27-28

Today's Readings -  2 Kings 21-23, John 12:1–26, Psalm 71:15–24, Proverbs 14:27-28

Devotional - When God's Word Is Harsh 

Have you ever seen a "Bible Promises" booklet - one that culls some of the great promises of God's Word? They can be helpful, but by definition, they overlook many of the less palatable truths of Scripture.

Christians today have bought into the "everything has to be positive and encouraging" message more than we like to admit. When we read the Bible, we ignore the hard truths and simply skip to the verses that make us feel good, that give us promises we want to claim or that fit into our simplified world view.

The truth is that sometimes, God's word is harsh, it is painful and it can be downright horrifying. It reveals us as we are and shows us the truth that we want to ignore or hide. King Josiah found this out in 2 Kings 22:11-13.

When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

Josiah was leading Judah back to God and was restoring the Temple that had fallen into such disrepair under the abominable reigns of his father and grandfather. As they worked, one of the priests found the Book of the Law and it was brought to Josiah. As the Law was read, Josiah did not pick out an encouraging promise here or a pithy saying there. He listened as the full weight of God's truth fell on him.

Then, he tore his clothes.

He realized how far his nation was from the standard set in the Law, from the life God had commanded for them. He came face to face with a Holy God and saw just how far short they had all fallen. God's Word was a mirror which showed him exactly how dirty the nation had become.

He listened to the Word and restored the Temple and, at least for a time, God brought revival to the land. If we would seek revival, we must stare deeply into the Word and see ourselves for who we are. We must submit ourselves fully to God's Word and let him restore us to become again what we are supposed to be.

Father, show me who you are and who I am and what you want to make me. May your Word restore me completely and revive me again. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Remember that it is not our duty to simply find those parts of Scripture that "bless and encourage" us, but to submit ourselves body, soul, and spirit to the word of God - regardless of its difficult teachings.

"Hezekiah's Folly" June 7 Readings: 2 Kings 19-20, John 11:45–57, Psalm 71:7–14, Proverbs 14:25-26

Today's Readings - 2 Kings 19-20, John 11:45–57, Psalm 71:7–14, Proverbs 14:25-26

Devotional - Hezekiah's Folly 

Up to the point when Isaiah appeared before him and announced that he would be dying, Hezekiah was on track to rival David as Judah's greatest king. He had rid Jerusalem of the remnants of his father's idolatry and had seen God bring great victories for the people.

Now Isaiah brought him the sad news that it was time to put his affairs in order because his illness was going to result in death. (2 Kings 20:1) Hezekiah poured his heart out to the Lord and God gave Isaiah a message. Hezekiah would receive 15 more years of life. He even received a miraculous sign confirming this.

It was a moment of joy for the king when God heard his prayer and spared his life. It was also a turning point for him as he grew arrogant and self-glorying. He began to think he was something exceptional for whom God had done this mighty act, forgetting the grace and mercy of God.

It all came to a head when emissaries from Babylon came to see him and he let his pride get the best of him. He gave them the palace tour and displayed his own wealth for all to see.

Now, the God who preserved him was angry at him. Nothing offends God more than our human pride when we take credit for that which God has done for us. We are products of the grace of God and should glory in the Cross of Christ. But that excludes boasting in ourselves or believing that we have merited the blessings of God.

Hezekiah ruined his chances to be among the greatest of kings when he let pride and arrogance choke out the glory of God in his life.

May we never let that happen to us.

Father, I am what you have made me. You have blessed me and changed me in so many ways. But whatever I am is your gift. Help me to remember that all I am is through Christ. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Do you ever find yourself thinking that God's grace in your life is based on your merit, your "specialness?"
Remember that it never our merit, and pride only gets in the way.
"Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and he will lift you up."

"When Jesus Got Angry" June 6 Readings: 2 Kings 17-18, John 11:28–44, Psalm 71:1–6, Proverbs 14:23-24

Today's Readings - 2 Kings 17-18, John 11:28–44, Psalm 71:1–6, Proverbs 14:23-24

Devotional - When Jesus Got Angry

It was something I'd never seen before, the description of Jesus' mood in John 11:38, as he strode over to Lazarus' tomb and looked at the ultimate fruit of human sinfulness.

Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb.

Most translations give this translation, that Jesus was "deeply moved" - feeling emotional about the death of his friend. After all, he has just wept at the grave. But the word has a meaning stronger than simple emotion. Jesus was angry, agitated, enraged, indignant. It was more than just sorrow that was in Jesus' heart that day. He knew that he would see Lazarus again in a few moments and all would be well.

Jesus was angry deep within. 

Jesus was angry, upset, indignant at the horror that sin had wrought upon his glorious creation. God created this world glorious and idyllic, without sin, sorrow and certainly without death. Then the Serpent showed up in the Garden and started whispering in Adam's and Eve's ears. God is just holding you down, trying to keep you from reaching your full potential. If you would just throw off the yoke of his oppressive rules, rebel, and what you want you will find joy, contentment, and peace beyond your wildest dreams. They bought into his lies, sin broke the beauty of God's perfect world and death came through sin.

Death was not part of God's plan, not part of the creation he called "very good." And standing there staring at the enemy of life, the last enemy to be destroyed, the wages of all sin, Jesus was indignant. This was not what he wanted for us and it provoked him to see what our sin had done to his plan.

But he was also excited, a concept carried within the meaning of that word as well. In a few minutes, he would give a brief glimpse into the purpose of his life. People thought he came to establish a political kingdom and defeat Rome. Jesus came to do much more than that. He came to defeat death eternally and redeem a people who, through him, would never face death. In a moment he would give one man a brief reprieve from death. Lazarus would be restored to life and to his family for a time - how long we do not know; nothing is known of Lazarus from this moment on.

But bringing Lazarus to life was just a hint, a foretaste of the glory that awaited in the future. Not long from that day, Jesus would be led to death at the cross and brutally murdered. He would be placed in the tomb and then, the death of death would come. Jesus would burst forth from the tomb never to taste death again. And, he was the firstfruits of those who would believe on him.

Because of Jesus Christ, death has been ultimately, completely, radically, and eternally defeated. Throughout our walk with Jesus through the birth narratives, through his early Galilean ministry, through the decisive days as people began to turn away and the conflicts with the Pharisees intensified, to this moment when things came to a boiling point, Jesus had revealed himself. He'd shown himself strong, and pure, and powerful, and wise. But nothing he ever did in his earthly work revealed Jesus as clearly as his work at Lazarus' tomb. He stood there and conquered death - only for a moment, but it was a foretaste of glory divine.

That's what Jesus came to do, and as he stood at Lazarus' tomb he was both angry at the effects of sin that brought him to that point and excited about the work he was about to do by his resurrection.

Father, I thank you that Jesus defeated death for me. I have the sure and certain hope of the resurrection through his work on the Cross. Death is defeated, Jesus is victorious, I am bound for life and nothing in this world can stop that work. Praise your holy name. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Spend some time thanking God and praising him for the eternal victory you have in Christ, the victory over death - no matter what this life brings you have nothing to fear!

"in 200 Years" June 5 Readings: 2 Kings 15-16, John 11:1–27, Psalm 70, Proverbs 14:21-22

Today's Readings - 2 Kings 15-16, John 11:1–27, Psalm 70, Proverbs 14:21-22

Devotional - In 200 Years

A few years ago, I walked with my oldest son and my wife through the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts. The tombstones were ancient, many 200 or more years old. I was struck with the brevity of life. For most of these people, the only memory that remains is their name engraved on a tombstone. Of course, that cemetery also has "Author's Ridge" where famous writers like Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Nathaniel Hawthorne are buried with their families. People come to see those graves (and leave pens and pencils at the graves as a tribute) and still read their books. But they, like the unknown masses, are still gone and still buried.

Life is short. Death awaits each of us at the end of life and there is nothing we can do about that. "It has been given to man to die once and after that to face judgment." There is nothing you can do about.

But Jesus changed everything.

In two hundred years, if this world continues, I will be laying in a grave somewhere, unknown except for what is chiseled on the marker. Perhaps someone will pass and wonder about my life as we wondered about those folks whose graves we walked past today. Who was he? What did he do? Was he a good man or a jerk?

But I will not be in that grave that day. Oh, my body still will be (perhaps), but I will be in the presence of the Lord, in glory, awaiting the resurrection of the dead. And it is all because of Jesus.

Jesus was called to the graveside of a loved one, a friend named Lazarus. Mary and Martha were grieving, and Martha even spoke some accusatory words to the Savior. "If only you'd been here..." Is it reading too much in to hear the words, "Where were you when we needed you?" But Jesus assured here that something wonderful was about to happen (it did) and then he said this (verses 25-26):

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

The Bible does not tell us simply that Jesus will raise us from the dead. No. It tells us that he IS the resurrection from the dead. He does not simply GIVE us life. Jesus IS life. Everything we want and need comes to us through him. 

We must remember that it is not about what Jesus does or what he gives but about who he is. "I am" he claims. Over and over. Everything we need we receive because of the great I Am. 

In 200 years I will be forgotten on earth, a memory only to someone who might perhaps be tracing his genealogy or who is examining old graveyards. But I will not be forgotten by the God of heaven. I will be experiencing a life I could never imagine here on earth because Jesus took me as his own, because I have been included in Christ and because I am his, because "I Am" is!

That changes everything. 

Father, I thank you for your son, my Savior, who is my life eternal and abundant. Because of him I have life and hope not only for this world, but for all of time and all of eternity. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?


Do you know Jesus? It is more than religious ritual or duty, but faith in Jesus. Trust him if you never have.
Believer, remember that it is not about what you get from Jesus, but about Jesus himself. Jesus is enough, he is everything.

"Many Believed" June 4 Readings: 2 Kings 13-14, John 10:22–42, Psalm 69:28–36, Proverbs 14:19-20

Today's Readings - 2 Kings 13-14, John 10:22–42, Psalm 69:28–36, Proverbs 14:19-20

Devotional - Many Believed

John 10:22-39 is a continuation of the conflict between Jesus Christ and the Jewish leaders. From John 6:66, his popularity is waning and some who followed him are turning aside. But verses 40-42 show what Jesus was all about.

His focus was never on his popularity. How often did he warn people not to tell others about the miracles he had done? Had he been politically motivated, he could have turned his fame into fortune and status. But that never motivated Jesus Christ. The leaders of Israel hated Jesus, passionately. Fervently. When, in John 10:30, Jesus claimed unity with the Father and in verse 31, they picked up stones to stone him. It was not his time, though, so he simply left them and went to the Jordan.

Jesus was not trying to worm his way into the halls of power to hob-knob with the rich and powerful and to curry their favor. He was not impressed by wealth and earthly success. These things meant nothing to him.

In his conversations with the religious leaders, he pulled no punches and was often confrontational and direct with them, to which they did not respond well. But Jesus was about the Father's work and the truth and was not trying to make influential friends.

He did not define himself by the opinions of others. He cared only about the Father's view of him and was not enslaved to what others said or thought about him.

But John 10:40-42 reveals what he was all about.

"And many believed in him there."

Jesus was about proclaiming the truth that would bring people to a right relationship with the Father by believing in him. Jesus was about the work of the gospel, about bringing people to believe in him as the Messiah, the anointed of God.

That must be our work as well. We must not live by what people say about us, whether people like us or how popular we are in this world. We must be about the Father's work - proclaiming Christ and calling people to faith in him.

Father, may my life be about what your Son's life was about! May others see Jesus through me. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?


Remember that you have a divine assignment, to make known the name of Jesus.
Is your life devoted to Christ and to proclaiming his salvation?