Gleanings for April 2

TRUE HUMILITY

John 13: 1, 2-5: NLB: “Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He now showed the disciples the full extent of His love.

“Jesus knew that the Father had given Him authority over everything and that He had come from God and would return to God. So He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel He had around Him.”

Are you willing to “be a servant” even though it is not required of you? Some folks who have participated in a “foot-washing” service have related to me they were blessed—not only by being the “servant” but also as the one who had their feet washed by someone else. The following footnote is good:

“Jesus shows great concern that the meaning of true servant-hood be well understood, that no one feel it beneath their dignity to perform the most menial task for others. Ultimately, servant-hood is a DISPOSITION of the HEART and SPIRIT, which expresses itself in concrete actions.”

The last sentence, I believe, is the picture Jesus desires for us to see so we can grasp what TRUE HUMILITY is; the Source of which originates in, the AMAZING LOVE that comes from the heart of God Himself. In the second verse of this chapter we are told that Jesus KNEW at that time “the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas to betray Him.” Even though He knew who it was helping the Pharisees; those plotting against Him; Jesus’ heart continued to reach out “even to Judas”.

I pray today that you may experience the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE Jesus is extending to YOU. Holy Spirit, anoint YOUR written WORD, as only YOU can do. It is the WORD of GOD that quickens hearts so understanding will come. This is why the central theme of Grandma’s Gleanings is the Word of God as recorded in Scripture.

The following Hymn could be the prayer of your heart today:

“A HEART TO PRAISE”

“O for a heart to praise my God, a heart from sin set free,

A heart that knows Your dying blood so freely shed for me!

A heart resigned, submissive, meek, my great Redeemer’s throne;

Where ONLY CHRIST is heard to speak, where Jesus reigns alone;

A heart in every thought renewed, and full of divine love;

Perfect, and right, and pure, and good, a copy, Lord of YOUR LOVE!

Your nature; gracious Lord, impart; come quickly from above,

Write YOUR new name upon my heart, YOU’RE new,

Best name of LOVE.” AMEN!

God’s Love will help us to know: the JOY OF THE LORD: OUR STRENGTH!!!