Okay, the problem with being captivated with the first part of a passage is that it kind of sets you up for the next part.

Yesterday, I was in awe of a Sovereign who would bow at His subjects’ feet as a Servant. Of a King who would towel-up and before His followers bend down. Of a Creator who would condescend to clean His creations’ feet. Peter’s words reverberated with awe and wonder yesterday, “Lord, do You?”

This morning, have been set up yesterday, I am compelled to chew on another question, “Lord, will I?”

When He had washed their feet and put on His outer garments and resumed His place, He said to them, “Do you understand 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 just as I have done to you.”

(John 13:12-15 ESV)

You also ought to wash one another’s feet . . . do just as I have done to you.

A command to obey; underline it in purple. An example to follow; don’t just color it, do it!

Lord, will I?

Will I take off the fancy schmancy garments of persona I’ve been so careful to put on and want to make sure are seen by others? Will I wrap the towel of servitude about my waist, bow at the feet of another — even if it’s one just waiting to betray me — and wash their filthy feet and touch up their tainted toes? Will I do what I really want others to do for me, but really want very little to do for others?

Even if, in my heart, I don’t want to esteem others better than myself (Php. 2:3), will I? Even if, everything in me wants to put my interests above others (Php. 2:4), will I? Even when I find the flesh within me wanting to act out of “selfish ambition or conceit” but hear the Spirit within me saying, “No sir, follow Jesus’ example”, will I?

I want to, Lord. Because I love You.

When I fail to (oh, You know I’m gonna fail to), in Your kindness, Lord, lead me to repentance . . . again. Meet me at the cross . . . again. Cleanse me . . . again. Let me know Your everlasting love and your limitless grace . . . again. And speak to me, “Follow My example, do just as I have done to you” . . . again. And remind me of the power of Your life in me which is able to live out Your command to me . . . again.

Lord, will I?

I will.

By Your grace. For Your glory.