Dirty, Smelly Feet

Dirty and Smelly Feet

When Jesus walked the earth it was the Jewish custom to offer guests water for foot-washing. The Israelites wore sandals instead of shoes, and usually went barefoot in the house, so frequent washing of the feet was a necessity.

Scripture refers to this duty of the host to give his guest water for the washing of his feet in Gen. xviii. 4, xix. 2, xxiv. 32, xliii. 24; Judges xix. 21.

Dirt was a given, and it was visible. People entered each other’s presence despite dirty, smelly feet.

How differently we live today when we try to clean ourselves up before we get together with others.

Of course, we aren’t always clean and perfect but we try not to show the dirt that’s within us and on us to others.

Our culture has phrases for dealing with our inner “dirt” like “getting our act together.” As if an act is a good thing when it’s really being fake, putting on an external facade. When painful feelings make us cry we speak of dissolving in tears or having a melt-down as if we’re disappearing when our emotions are becoming more real and visible.

Yet, when we can brave being real, dirt and all, really good things happen in us and in our relationships with others.

Christ sees our dirt, our inadequacies and He loves us even with the dirt and requires no “acting.” He’s always waiting to give us a wash, the clean-up and affirmation we need.

MY FREE E-BOOKS ON AMAZON THIS WEEK

Truth For Teens - Tips teens need to know but seldom hear plus good topics for parent & teen discussion. Wed. August 21

Love Always, Mom - A love story about God, a mom and her son. Wed. & Thurs. August 21 & 22

Romans 10:15:  As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!