God gives power for a purpose, and that purpose is not to enrich the recipients. God gives power to serve those the recipient connects with near and far. You have a measure of beneficent influence. How will you enrich the lives of others today?

Today is Maundy Thursday. This is the day Jesus washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). Maundy means Mandate or Command. Verses 12-17 give us this mandate:

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked,
“Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.
And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.
I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master.
Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.
Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.”

God blesses those who use the power he has given and the influence they have gained to serve others out of the overflow of God’s generous provision.

We hear Peter’s words of protest and preference. Poor Ol’ Pete, he hardly ever got it just right. He almost always erred on the sides of too little and too much.

We don’t hear the internal monologues of the other men in that room. Each had a reaction, a response when Jesus arrived at their feet. I wonder what Judas thought? Was he cold and indifferent? Or did he weep?

Some people you serve will love you forever. Some will hate you immediately. Some will not know what to think or do or say. Serve anyway.

You have power in your hands today to help and to heal. Serve extravagantly. Our extravagant Father in heaven extravagantly refills what you give away.

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I will serve extravagantly.

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Our Father, some examples are impossible to forget. Make us more like Jesus. Empower us that we may serve extravagantly those who welcome us, those who challenge us, and those who reject us. Amen.