Untie my shoes, would you?

I would never ask anyone to untie my shoe unless I was physically unable to do so.  I consider that pretty demeaning.  Maybe that is because feet gross me out and the idea of dirty tennis shoes make me want to run…away from them.  Maybe it’s because the position of kneeling before me is one that I would never want to make you do.  Maybe it’s just not something we do socially.  You take off your own shoes.  It’s just what is acceptable in our society. 

Well, as I was reading my Bible last night this verse struck me:

Mark 1

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

 

It is easy to forget just how much reverance that Jesus really deserves.   But here it is in plain text…John, one of the most influential Christian leaders in history was not worthy to UNTIE his shoe.  I’m sure that I’m not even close to being so worthy as to deny someone the opportunity to untie my stinky shoes.  God was so clearly directing us in His word to keep an eye on our own perception of worthy.  He was telling us to remember once again the preciousness of the gift of relationship with His Son.  In our own flesh we don’t deserve to touch the dust on His feet and yet He CHOOSES to call us His sons and daughters.  He CHOOSES to call us righteous and holy.  He CHOOSES us when He clearly doesn’t have to. 

During this holiday season, rejoice because the highest king made you His friend.  We are not worthy.  We are just blessed.  And it’s a lot easier to love your brother when you begin to comprehend that you are chosen not based on your worth, but just on your being.