Scripture for Today: John 13:10 “Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.'”

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to bathe a cat! If it is ever tried, the best way is to do it with some sort of protective gear as claws will appear! I have heard of cats that like water but it seems to be the exception. The howling and carrying on is pathetic. Normally, the cat licking himself is all that is needed, but there are those rare occasions when a bath is necessary. And afterwards, the cat will never look at its owner in quite the same way again!

Today’s verse takes place in that scene where Jesus is washing the feet of His disciples. All but one of these disciples (Judas) had already been bathed. They had each experienced the life-changing cleansing and forgiveness of the Lord. However, the day-to-day walk meant that their feet would continue to get dirty and need daily cleansing. As with our initial cleansing, this daily dirt is not something we can take care of on our own. We need His daily “spot cleaning.”

I am thankful for that initial bath of salvation. It does not need to be repeated. God’s forgiveness is complete and there is nothing to add to our salvation. “It is finished,” was declared from the cross and my salvation is secured because of His grace. Unfortunately, that does not mean that I do not continue to sin. But because I am “in Christ” (Romans 8:1) there is no longer any condemnation for my sin. Taking care of “dirty feet” everyday means that I agree with God when He points out that dirt. I need to recognize my sin and ask His help to avoid stepping in it again.

Thank you Lord, for Your daily cleansing.

(Look familiar? This post is based on another from 2015)