George Washington Helps Exhausted Soldiers
He could have others serve Him while he was on earth, but he said, The “Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45)
What did the God of the universe who was fully in control of all things do? John 13:4-5 – ‘he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.’
The job that was lowliest in the land and Jesus took it upon Himself to do. True Humility comes from having a proper perspective of who we are. Christ had no misconceptions about who He was.
He was not concerned about how others might perceive Him. He was God in the flesh and had full control of everything and yet He humbled Himself. And he calls his followers to humble service as well – ‘I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you’.
George Washington
I love the story (I don’t know if it’s true or not) about the man in the American Revolution, who was dressed in civilian clothes and rode past a group of soldiers repairing a defensive barrier. Their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help them. Asked why by the rider, he retorted with great dignity, "Sir, I am a corporal!" The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers. And when the job was done, he turned to the corporal and said, "Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again." The man was none other than George Washington. (Today in the Word, March 6, 1991.)
From a sermon by Paul Green, Here Is Love, 10/28/2009