In the early 1980s on a hot March day, we were hiking in the Verde Valley of Arizona and enjoying every inch of Gods nature.
Have you ever noticed when your feet get too hot you are all out of sorts and miserable all over? As we approached the Verde River, we quickly shed our shoes and went in for a feet washing. Wow! The water was cold on our hot feet and how delightful and refreshing as we stepped into the water with pebbles below our feet. The pebbles were our natural foot massager. I didnt know that at the time.
Ive learned a little about feet since those days of living in Arizona. Theres vitality through the reflex points on our feet. It is based on a complete network of reflex points that stimulate all the internal body systems. Isnt this amazing? We are so marvelously and wonderfully made. God knew what He was doing when He made us. After a days work in the garden, how good it feels to water hose my feet. In the process, it is an internal cleansing going on as well. How marvelous!
Jesus washed his disciples feet. He took off his robe and wrapped a towel around his waist and poured water into a basin and he began to wash the disciples feet. When he came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, "Lord, why are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus reply, "You dont understand now why I am doing it; someday you will." "NO," Peter protested, "you will never wash my feet!" Jesus said to Peter, "And if I dont wash your feet, you wont belong to me." Jesus went on to say to Peter, "A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet," to be entirely clean.
There are many lessons to be learned in this feet washing story. One lesson is Jesus was teaching humility in action. Do you think Jesus encountered some smelly feet in some of those 24 feet he washed that day? I would think so. Jesus was showing us that we are never too good for the menial tasks we encounter along lifes journey.
In the days of Jesus the people wore sandals and roads were dusty during dry season and muddy during the rainy time. It was a necessary custom to see that the feet were washed on entering a house. The common utensils made it hard to wash one s own feet, and as a rule it was the task of a menial; however, when one wished to extremely honor his visitor or to indicate his own humility, he would himself perform the service. Jesus set the example of humility, and washed the feet of all his disciples at the Lords Supper. I believe He was showing them great honor as well as humility.
Cleansing the feet removes more than just the dust and dirt. Physical and psychological changes may occur during a foot washing. The body is trying to expel unwanted toxins. Recall what Jesus said, "a person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. "Entirely clean" is a key phrase.
What can happen in a feet washing session? A possible change in expression, a feeling of deep relaxation or shooting sensations as blockages release. It enhances well-being both physical and mental. Why would washing someone feet humble us? Its not exactly a pleasant job washing stinky, dirty and sweaty feet. Why do feet become sweaty and smelly? The release of toxicity from our internal organs are released. Refreshing the feet refreshes the whole body. Jesus knew what he was talking about. He was there when we were made.
One of the most ancient therapeutic treatments in the world is foot reflexology. It is widely known as a beneficial and relaxing way to optimize healing in the body. The main principle of reflexology is that the feet mirror the whole body, so gentle pressure on key areas of the foot will directly benefit the corresponding part of the body. Isnt this amazing? And, marvelous indeed!
If you want to do an humble deed, wash and massage the feet of a loved one. Thats a good start in humility. Why not use some of Gods best perfumes "essential oils" and rub on the feet. Lavender and peppermint are delightfully wonderful essential oils for the feet. Using only a drop or two is very refreshing. You will be glad you did and so will the one who is receiving the feet washing. Do you need your feet washed? Go for it!
http:// www.youngliving.org/peppermintpatty/
