Girded to Serve
“And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.”Exodus 39:5 (KJV)
Israel’s high priest wore a girdle, a woven belt bound to his ephod. “And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same… of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.” It was beautiful, part of the garments of glory.
Our great High Priest girded himself too. At the last supper, “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet.”
The King of glory tied a towel around his waist and knelt at the feet of men who would soon run away. Paul says he “took upon him the form of a servant.” Jesus said it himself: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
If your work feels small and unseen, remember what your Lord wore around his waist. Service is the uniform of his kingdom.
Read it yourself
Read John 13:1–17. What did Jesus tell the disciples to do after he washed their feet?
Whose feet could you wash this week, in a small, practical way?
Lord Jesus, you girded yourself to serve. Make me a servant like you. Amen.