Olive Branch Family,
Devotionals this week come from a long-time ministry friend of mine Larry Warner. He wrote the book Seeing Jesus with New Eyes. I pray these poems help you reflect upon the life-shattering, love declaring, hope bestowing action of Holy Week. They are an invitation to linger with Jesus, to explore your heart, to open your life to God in new ways.
Monday Poem: Receiving (foot washing, John 13:5)
slipping away
he returns with towel and basin
looking more like servant than leader
he kneels before me—
I freeze as he removes
my sandals
embarrassed, nervous
uncertain what to do
Jesus’ pace is slow
his actions purposeful,
gentle,
tenderly washing,
drying my feet
his touch
his pace
invite me to be present,
open
my body relaxes
my awkwardness dissolves
I begin to receive
opening to his touch,
his presence, in new ways
rising to his feet
he touches my shoulder
his hand lingering there
he leans in
his mouth near my ear
I feel his breath
as he whispers
his words unlock my heart
tears stream down my face
I am lost in the moment
I am lost in his love—
seen, known
Reflection:
Imagine yourself in this poem, Jesus coming to you, kneeling before you, washing and drying your feet. What do you feel? What do you desire, what do you need Jesus to say to you?