Michelangelo, Moses, with Rachel (l.), and Leah (r.),Tomb of Pope Julius II, in San Pietro in Vincoli (5) Photo by Richard Mortel; flickr CCL
Meditation
Wednesday, Ordinary 14/Proper 9, reminded believers of the many ways God provides for our daily needs and those we cherish most. The Psalmist tended to the needs of the lovers. The Old Testament lesson in Genesis elaborated on Jacob’s life with two wives. He loved Rachel, had since he first saw her approaching the well as a shepherdess. He was married to Leah, through the trickery of Laban, and she felt the emptiness of his lack of love.
But God saw her needs and her wants and gave her children. She had hoped that Jacob would love her for her children. Rachel remained childless. God tended to Leah’s hopes and dreams in the midst of her unhappiness.
In the New Testament, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet at the Passover meal. For people, who wore sandals and walked everywhere, it was typical of a good host to provide a servant to wash the feet of his guests. But Jesus demonstrated what a true leader—a teacher/rabbi/Lord—would do. He gathered a towel and water, knelt on the floor and washed each of the disciple’s feet.
The God of all, the Creator, the Word of God, Jesus showed how to meet the basic needs and wants of people—his followers. If Jesus would wash the feet of his disciples, what might he do for others?
Whatever the needs or desires, we can take it to God in prayer and know the God of love, Jesus, will answer the prayer and fulfill our needs and desires.
Thanks be to God.
All Scriptures printed below are in King James Version for copyright purposes. However, clicking on the verse locations will take you to Biblegateway.com where the text is linked to more contemporary versions.
Click on the Scriptures for links to biblegateway.com, where many translations of the same text enhance the understanding the readings, which come from the (RCL) Revised Common Lectionary – Daily Lectionary
Readings. I add a Daily Prayer to bless you with God’s Favor.
Enjoy the Daily Encouragement and Bible Study and may you be inspired to be your best self for Ordinary 14/Proper 9.
Ordinary 14/Proper 9
Holy Holy Holy – Sufjan Stevens cover by Brigade the Rock Band
Footwashing
Bishop Sebouh Chouldjian of the Armenian Apostolic Church washing the feet of children. Wikipedia CCL
Prayer: Almighty God, Open my eyes that I might see. Open my mind that I might understand. Open my heart that I might make your words a part of me. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Amen
Ordinary 14/Proper 9
Softly and Tenderly – Anne Murray
Footwashing
Christus, by the Lutheran Lucas Cranach the Elder. This woodcut of John 13:14–17 is from Passionary of the Christ and Antichrist. Wikipedia CCL public domain
Ordinary 14/Proper 9
Bible Readings
http://legacy.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Solomon%202:8-13;Genesis%2029:31-35;John%2013:1-17&version=KJV;ERV;GNT;NCV;CEV
(multiple versions)
Wednesday, Ordinary 14/Proper 9
Daily Bible Verses to Memorize for Meditating
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Single Bible Study chapter to study
King James Version (KJV)
13 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
Table set for the Passover Seder Festive Seder table with wine, matza and Seder plate. Wikipedia, CCL
2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
Jesus washed the disciples feet by Meister des Hausbuches, 1475; Wikipedia CCL
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
Christ Reasoning with Peter, by Giotto di Bondone (Cappella Scrovegni a Padova). Wikipedia CCL
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
Orthodox icon of Christ washing the feet of the Apostles (16th century, Pskov school of iconography). Wikipedia CCL public domain
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
OBSERVE:
Take a moment and write three observations of the verses. What strikes you? An observation is an observable fact from the Word.
1.
2.
3.
INTERPRETATION:
What do you interpret these verses to mean for you today?
APPLY:
Today, I learned _____________________________________and apply it to my life.
Prayer of Encouragement
Almighty God, we give you thanks and praise that you minister to the needs of everyone in everyday life. The things that matter to us are also important to you. Your compassion for us is infinite and we are grateful for your wisdom in taking care of all our needs, our hopes and dreams. In Jesus name, Amen
Ordinary 14/Proper 9
Music
On Our Side – Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Jessee Reeves
Ordinary 14/Proper 9 Humor
Surprise! Jacob Married the Other Sister, Leah
©Jeff Larson, Used by permission
Lavish Love, Abundant Beauty – Geneva Presbyterian Church
I hope you found a chance to encounter your Creator and experience the Love of God and the joy of Christ in Ordinary 14/Proper 9.
Conclusion
Wednesday, Ordinary 14/Proper 9 taught us how a true leader is interested in the mundane lives of followers. In the matters of the heart, where disappointment and frustration reigns supreme, God will meet us and provide compassionate solutions. Maybe things are not as we would like, but there will be things to be thankful for. Leah was granted children and the honor of the first born. The bride heard the words of her love, calling to her. The disciples learned firsthand how to treat followers by lifting them up and treating them well. All leaders could learn from this, but Christian leaders especially could learn from Christ’s example. Humility and care underscored his actions and should underscore ours.
Go out and be ready for God to do mighty things in your life—for the glory of God.*
Thank you for visiting ChapLynne’s Daily Encouragement and Bible Study. Please like if it was meaningful. God bless you.
*If you do not know the Lord as your personal Savior and you are seeking, please contact me. A genuine and simple prayer, asking God into your heart for the forgiveness of your sins will also do.Please like if you are blessed and don’t hesitate to comment or contact me. I love hearing from you.
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