The Beautiful Partnership: Proclaiming the Beautiful Gospel
God’s Beauty and Godly Beauty, a Beautiful Partnership
Awara Fernández, Guest Writer
TODAY’S TREASURE
We know from Jesus’ later conversation with Peter that He knew how Peter was going to die. “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go. (This He said to show by what kind of death he, Peter, was to glorify God.)” In fact, ten of the twelve present at that Passover meal would die violent deaths as martyrs. Peter was martyred during Nero’s reign in Rome, crucified upside down. Andrew, Peter’s brother, was martyred in Greece, tied rather than nailed to the cross so that he would suffer longer. James, the son of Zebedee, was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa and was the first of the twelve to be martyred. These men, wooed and won by the beauty of the gospel, accepted the call to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
Imagine the scene that Passover night, Jesus tenderly holding His disciples’ feet as he washed them, knowing how each of His beloved friends would die for Him. As He made His way around the room, cleaning each dirty, smelly foot, encrusted with road grunge, was He thinking of their deaths as well as His own? “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:15. This preaching of the gospel by the disciples would cost them their lives. How beautiful their feet must have been to Jesus.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
My husband bought me a small foot bath, and oh, the warm water and bubbles soothe my tired feet. From time to time I set up the bath, adding essential oils, not for me, but for him. In his work as a Facilities Manager, he walks several miles every day, and I am grateful for his faithfulness on the job and at home. If you can afford to purchase one of these small baths, I highly recommend it. And, surprise your loved one by washing their beautiful feet, giving thanks for them as you do so, and asking that they would have opportunities to share the beautiful gospel.
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PRAYER
Father, we pray with Frances R. Havergal, that You would “Take our hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take our feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.” Amen.
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.