Daily Devotion for April 14, 2025

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read John 13:1-17.

Many years ago at Christ Church, our janitor got another job and left us without anyone to clean our buildings. Our offerings were not quite as large as our expenditures, and we were not sure what to do about hiring a janitor. Two of the charter members of our church, Bill and Nita Gifford, stepped up and said not to worry, that they were retired, and that they would take care of the janitorial work for the rest of the year. Nita was in a Disciple Bible Study class I was leading, and we were going around the table one evening, sharing about when we felt closest to God. Some spoke of being at the beach or in the mountains. Some talked about being in our worship services. When it was Nita’s turn, she smiled and said, “This is going to sound strange, but I feel really close to God when I am here and cleaning the toilets.” 

Nita was right, as that did sound a bit strange! But she was doing exactly what Jesus instructed us to do after having washed the apostles’ dirty feet…to serve others in ways that humble us, in ways that are “beneath” us. I will never forget her witness of humble service to us.

  

Personal Worship Option:

Think about something that needs to be done that seems too menial or mundane or unpleasant for you to do. Would it help others if you did it yourself? Why not take it on? If you do, think as you do it about Jesus washing the feet of his apostles. You will be blessed.