TUHAN BERADA DENGAN ORANG YANG REMUK HATI

I CAN RESTORE THEIR CONFIDENCE AND HOPE



Isaiah 57:15 "I am the high and holy God, who lives forever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope.

Yesaya 57:15 Sebab beginilah firman Yang Mahatinggi dan Yang Mahamulia, yang bersemayam untuk selamanya dan Yang Mahakudus nama-Nya: "Aku bersemayam di tempat tinggi dan di tempat kudus tetapi juga bersama-sama orang yang remuk dan rendah hati, untuk menghidupkan semangat orang-orang yang rendah hati dan untuk menghidupkan hati orang-orang yang remuk. 

GO ON GOD'S ERRANDS--JALANKAN PERINTAH TUHAN

SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

Matthew 24:14 and this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come.

Matius 24:14 dan injil kerajaan ini akan diberitakan di seluruh dunia menjadi kesaksian bagi semua bangsa, sesudah itu barulah tiba kesudahannya.

Jesus said that before he returns, the good news of the kingdom (the message of salvation) would be preached throughout the world. This was the disciples’ mission—and it is ours today. Jesus talked about the end times and final Judgment to show his followers the urgency of spreading the good news of salvation to everyone.

Yesus berkata bahwa sebelum Dia kembali, kabar baik kerajaanNya (yaitu kabar tentang keselamatan) akan diberitakan keseluruh dunia. Hal ini adalah misi dari murid-muridNya—dan juga menjadi misi kita pada generasi ini. Yesus berkata tentang akhir zaman dan penghakiman terakhir untuk menunjukkan kepada pengikutNya pentingnya menyebarkan kabar baik keselamatan kepada setiap orang.

SUPERIOR

Matthew 20:6 And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’

Matius 20:6 Today’s morning watch is found in:


Jesus further clarified the membership rules of the kingdom of heaven—entrance is by God’s grace alone. In this parable, God is the landowner, and believers are the laborers. This parable is especially for those who feel superior because of heritage or favored position, to those who feel superior because they have spent so much time with Christ, and to new believers as reassurance of God’s grace.

Yesus lebih lanjut mengklarifikasi anggota pemerintahan kerajaan surga—yang masuk hanya oleh kasih karunia Allah saja. Dalam perumpamaan ini, Allah sebagai tuan tanah pemilik, dan umat percaya adalah pekerja-pekerjanya. Perumpamaan ini dikhususkan kepada mereka yang merasa super karena mewarisi posisi kesayangan mereka, kepada mereka yang merasa super karena mereka telah meluangkan waktu yang banyak bagi Kristus, dan kepada orang percaya yang baru sebagai pewaris kerajaan kasih karunia Allah.

PEDULI

CARE FOR OTHERS’ NEEDS

John 9:4 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes.

Yohanes 9:4 Adapun hari waktu Yesus mengaduk tanah dan memelekkan mata orang itu, adalah hari Sabat.

The Jewish Sabbath, Saturday, was the weekly holy day of rest. The Pharisees had made a long list of specific do’s and don’ts regarding the Sabbath. Kneading the clay and healing the man were considered work and therefore were forbidden. Jesus may have made the clay in order to emphasize his teaching about the Sabbath—that it is right to care for others’ needs even if it involves working on a day of rest.

Sabbath Yahudi yaitu hari Sabtu, adalah hari yang suci berhenti atau istirahat pada setiap pekan. Orang-orang Farisi telah membuat satu daftar yang panjang hal-hal yang khusus yang dapat dibuat dan tidak dapat dibuat sehubungan dengan hari Sabbat. Membentuk tanah liat dan menyembuhkan seorang buta dinyatakan bekerja dan dilarang pada waktu itu. Yesus dapat saja membuat tanah liat itu dengan maksud untuk menekankan pengajarannya tentang hari Sabat—yang benar adalah memperhatikan kebutuhan-kebutuhan orang lain walaupun itu melibatkan pekerjaan pada hari perhentian.

BERHENTI RISAU

STOP WORRYING


When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Matius 10:19,20 Apabila mereka menyerahkan kamu, janganlah kamu kuatir akan bagaimana dan akan apa yang harus kamu katakan, karena semuanya itu akan dikaruniakan kepadamu pada saat itu juga. Karena bukan kamy yang berkata-kata, melainkan Roh Bapamu; Dia yang akan berkata-kata didalam kamu.

Jesus told the disciples that when arrested for preaching the gospel, they should not worry about what to say in their defense--God's spirit would speak through them. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 4:8-14 and elsewhere. Some mistakenly think this means we don't have to prepare to present the gospel because God will take care of everything. Scripture teaches, however, that we are to make carefuly prepared, thoughtful statements Colossians 4:6. Jesus is not telling us to stop preparing, but to stop worrying.

Yesus berkata kepada murid-murid bahwa ketika mereka dilarang mengabarkan injil, mereka tidak seharusnya risau tentang apa yang akan dikatakan untuk mengadakan pembelaan--Roh Allah akan berbicara melalui mereka. Janji ini sudah terealisasi dalam Kisah Para Rasul 4:8-14 dan dalam ayat yang lain juga. Ada beberapa pemikiran yang keliru yang mengartikan bahwa kita tidak perlu bersedia untuk mengabarkan injil karena Allah akan melakukannya segala sesuatu. Pengajaran firman Tuhan, bagaimanapun juga, kita harus mengadakan persiapan yang sangat hati-hati, penuh perhatian seperti yang ditulis dalam Kolose 4:6. Yesus tidaklah mengatakan kepada kita supaya berhenti bersiap, tetapi berhenti menjadi risau.

KAMU LEBIH BERHARGA...

YOU ARE OF MORE VALUE


Matthew 10:30-31 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matius 10:30-31 Dan kamu, rambut kepalamu pun terhitung semuanya. Sebab itu janganlah kamu takut, karena kamu lebih berharga dari pada banyak burung pipit.

Jesus said that God is aware of everything that happens even to sparrows, and you are far more valuable to him than they are. You are also valuable that God sent his only Son to die for you. Because he places such value on you, you need never fear personal threats of difficult trials. These can’t shake God’s love or dislodge his Spirit from within you.

Yesus berkata bahwa Allah memperhatikan segala sesuatu yang terjadi walaupun kepada burung pipit, dan saudara lebih berharga bagiNYA daripada burung-burung itu. Saudara sangat berharga sehingga Allah telah mengaruniakan anakNya yang tunggal mati bagi saudara. Karena DIA sangat menghargai engkau, maka saudara tak perlu takut dengan segala sesuatu yang terjadi kepadamu. Segalanya tidak dapat menggoncangkan kasih Allah atau Roh Kudusnya untuk selalu besertamu.

ANGKAT SALIB

TAKE UP THE CROSS



Matthew 10:38 And whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy oif me.

Matius 10:38 Barangsiapa tidak memikul salibnya dan mengikut Aku, ia tidak layak bagiKU.

To take up our cross and follow Jesus means being willing to publicly identify with him, face almost certain opposition, and be committed to face even suffering and death for his sake.

Mengangkat salib dan mengikuti Yesus berarti rela dikenal orang banyak bahwa engkau adalah pengikut Yesus yang bersama-sama dengan DIa, menghadapi oposisi tertentu, dan tetap teguh walaupun menghadapi kesulitan dan kematian hanya karena DIA.

THEY WILL PUT YOU OUT

John 16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God.

Yohanes 16:2 Kamu akan dikucilkan, bahkan akan datang saatnya bahwa setiap orang yang membunuh kamu akan menyangka bahwa ia berbuat bakti bagi Allah. 

In His last moments with his disciples, Jesus warned them about further persecution. A vivid fulfillment of this prediction happened when Stephen was expelled from the synagogue and stoned to death. Saul who later became Paul, under the authority of the high priest, went through the land persecuting Christians.

Pada hari-hari terakhir Yesus bersama murid-muridNya, Dia mengingatkan mereka tentang siksaan, penganiayaan yang lebih hebat. Sebuah kegenapan yang begitu jelas dari prediksi yang terjadi ketika Estefanus dikeluarkan dari gereja dan dilempar dengan batu. Saulus yang kemudian menjadi Paulus, dibawah perintah imam-imam besar, menganiaya umat-umat Kristen.

DO NOT GROW WEARY

Hebrews 12:3,4 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Ibrani 12:3,4 Ingatlah selalu akan Dia, yang tekun menanggung bantahan yang sehebat itu terhadap diriNya dari pihak orang-orang berdosa, supaya jangan kamu menjadi lemah dan putus asa. Dalam pergumulan kamu melawan dosa kamu belum sampai mencucurkan darah.

When we face hardship and discouragement, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. But we're not alone; there is help. Many have already made it through life enduring far more difficult circumstances than we have experienced. Suffering is the training ground for Christian maturity. It develops our patience and makes our final victory sweet.

These readers were facing difficult times of persecution, but none of them had yet died for their faith. Because they were still alive, the writer urged them to continue to run their race. Just as Christ did not give up, neither should they.

Ketika kita mengalami kesulitan dan kekecewaan, adalah sangat muda kehilangan pandangan pada pandangan yang luas. Tetapi kita tidaklah sendirian; ada pertolongan. Banyak yang telah mengalami kehidupan yang berkepanjangan dengan kesulitan-kesulitan daripada yang telah kita alami. Penderitaan adalah latihan dasar bagi kedewasaan kekristenan. Hal itu akan mengembangkan kemenangan yang indah pada akhir nanti.

Pembaca-pembaca yang mengalami kesulitan penganiayaan waktu itu, tetapi tak seorangpun dari mereka undur dan menyerah pada iman mereka. Karena mereka tetap hidup, penulis memberi semangat kepada mereka supaya tetap berlari dalam pertandingan iman. Seperti Kristus tidak pernah menyerah, begitu juga mereka seharusnya demikian.

YESUS MEMUASKANMU

HE SATISFIES YOU!



Psalm 103:5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live? So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s

Mazmur 103:5 dia yang memuaskan hasratmu dengan kebaikan, sehingga masa mudamu menjadi baru seperti pada burung rajawali.

David’s praise focused on God’s glorious acts. It is easy to complain about life, but David’s list gives us plenty for which to praise God—his forgiveness, healing, redemption, loving kindness, tender mercies, providence, righteousness, justice, grace, patience. We receive all of these without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life’s journey, you can always count your blessings—past, present, and future. When you feel as you have nothing for which to praise God, read David’s list.

Pujian Daud tertuju kepada tindakan Allah yang mulia. Mudah saja mempersalahkan kehidupan ini, tetapi daftar pujian Daud memberikan kita banyak cara untuk memuji Allah—bagi pengampunannya, keselamatannya, kebaikannya, penjagaan yang lembutnya, kebenarannya, kejujurannya, keadilannya, kasih karunianya, ketabahannya. Kita menerima segala-galanya tanpa syarat, karena kita patut menerima semuanya itu. Tak peduli betapa sukarnya perjalanan kehidupanmu, engkau tetap selalu menghitung berkat-berkatmu—masa lalu, sekarang, dan yang akan datang. Ketika engkau merasa tak memiliki sesuatu untuk memuiji Tuhan, bacalah daftar puisi dari Daud ini.

GOD THE COMFORTER

I CAN RESTORE THEIR CONFIDENCE AND HOPE

Isaiah 57:15 "I am the high and holy God, who lives forever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope.

Yesaya 57:15 Sebab beginilah firman Yang Mahatinggi dan Yang Mahamulia, yang bersemayam untuk selamanya dan Yang Mahakudus nama-Nya: "Aku bersemayam di tempat tinggi dan di tempat kudus tetapi juga bersama-sama orang yang remuk dan rendah hati, untuk menghidupkan semangat orang-orang yang rendah hati dan untuk menghidupkan hati orang-orang yang remuk. 

GOD THE COMFORTER

I CAN RESTORE THEIR CONFIDENCE AND HOPE

Today’s morning watch is found in:

Isaiah 57:15 "I am the high and holy God, who lives forever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope.

Yesaya 57:15 Sebab beginilah firman Yang Mahatinggi dan Yang Mahamulia, yang bersemayam untuk selamanya dan Yang Mahakudus nama-Nya: "Aku bersemayam di tempat tinggi dan di tempat kudus tetapi juga bersama-sama orang yang remuk dan rendah hati, untuk menghidupkan semangat orang-orang yang rendah hati dan untuk menghidupkan hati orang-orang yang remuk. 

YESUS AJAIB

NO MORE DEATH, GRIEF, CRYING, OR PAIN 

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.

Wahyu 21:4 Dan Ia akan menghapus segala air mata dari mata mereka, dan maut tidak akan ada lagi; tidak akan ada lagi perkabungan, atau ratap tangis, atau dukacita, sebab segala sesuatu yang lama itu telah berlalu.

What a wonderful Jesus, He knows better our need. We are sinners but He has come to redeem us, he has died for us, he has risen and he has gone to heaven to prepare us the place that we are waited for, Heaven. There will be no more death, grief, crying, or pain, and He will wipe away all tears from our eyes.

Betapa indahnya Yesus itu. Dia sangat mengetahui kebutuhan kita. Kita manusia berdosa tetapi Dia telah datang menebus kita, Dia telah mati untuk kita, bangkit dan pergi ke surga untuk menyediakan kita tempat yang sedang kita nanti-nantikan, yaitu Surga. Disana tak aka nada lagi kematian, perkabungan, ratap tangis atau dukacita, dan Dia akan menghapus segala air mata dari mata kita.

THE ADVERSARY

Ephesians 2:1 You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient.

Efesus 2:1 Kamu dahulu sudah mati karena pelanggaran-pelanggaran dan dosa-dosamu. Kamu hidup di dalamnya, karena kamu mengikuti jalan dunia ini, karena kamu mentaati penguasa kerjaan angkasa, yaitu roh yang sekarang sedang bekerja diantara orang-orang durhaka.

The ruler of the power of the air was understood by Paul’s readers to mean Satan and the evil spiritual forces they believed inhabited the region between earth and sky. Satan is thus pictured as ruling the evil spiritual world—the demons and those who are against Christ. Satan means ‘the adversary.’ He is also called the devil. In the resurrection, Christ was victorious over satan and his power. Therefore, Jesus Christ is the permanent ruler of the whole world. Satan is only the temporary ruler of the part of the world that chooses to follow him.

Pemerintah yang berkuasa di angkasa telah dimengerti oleh pembaca surat Paulus yang berarti setan dan roh-roh jahat yang mereka percayai menghuni daerah antara dunia dan angkasa. Setan digambarkan sebagai penguasa roh-roh jahat di dunia—penjahat-penjahat yang melawan Kristus. Satan berarti ‘saingan’. Dia juga disebut penjahat. Dalam kebangkitan, Kristus sebagai pemenang dari setan dan kuasanya. Karena itu Yesus Kristus adalah pemerintah yang permanen bagi seantero dunia. Setan hanyalah penguasa sementara bagi sebagian dunia ini yang memilih mengikuti dia (setan).

GOD’S BLESSING AND SALVATION

Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered her, “woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” Then her daughter was healed instantly.

Matius 15:28 Maka Yesus menjawab dan berkata kepadanya: “Hai ibu, besar imanmu, maka jadilah kepadamu seperti yang kaukehendaki.” Dan seketika itu juga anaknya sembuh.

Dog was a term the Jews commonly applied to Gentiles, because the Jews considered these pagan people no more likely than dogs to receive God’s blessing. Jesus was not degrading the woman by using this term; he was reflecting the Jews’ attitude so as to contrast it with his own. The woman did not argue. Instead, using Jesus’ choice of words, she agreed to be considered a dog as long as she could receive God’s blessing for her daughter. Ironically, many Jews would lose God’s blessing and salvation because they rejected Jesus, and many gentiles would find salvation because they recognized and accepted him.

Anjing adalah istilah orang Yahudi yang umum digambarkan bagi orang kafir, karena orang Yahudi menganggap orang-orang yang tak beragama ini tidak lebih baik dari anjing untuk menerima karunia dan berkat Allah. Yesus tidak menurunkan martabat dari perempuan ini dengan menggunakan istilah ini, Dia sebenarnya sedang menggambarkan tabiat orang Yahudi yang sangat kontras dengan yang dimiliki mereka. Perempuan ini tidak mengomentari pendapat itu. Gantinya, menggunakan kata-kata pilihan Yesus, dia setuju dianggap seekor anjing sepanjang dia dapat menerima karunia berkat Allah bagi anaknya perempuan. Sangat ironis, banyak orang Yahudi kehilangan berkat Allah dan keselamatannya karena mereka menolak Yesus, dan banyak orang kafir akan mendapatkan keselamatan karena mereka mengenal dan menerima DIA (Yesus).

renungan don't judge...

BELIEVE…NOT JUDGED

John 3:18 Whoever believes in the Son is not judged; but whoever does not believe has already been judged, because he has not believed in God's only Son

Yohanes 3:18 Barangsiapa percaya kepada-Nya, ia tidak akan dihukum; barangsiapa tidak percaya, ia telah berada di bawah hukuman, sebab ia tidak percaya dalam nama Anak Tunggal Allah.

People often try to protect themselves from their fears by putting their trust in something they do or have; their good works, their skill or intelligence, their money or possessions. But only God can save us from the one thing we really need to fear—eternal condemnation. We trust in God by recognizing the insufficiency of our own efforts to find salvation and by asking him to do his work in us. When Jesus talks about unbelievers, he means those who reject or ignore him completely, not those who have momentary doubts.

Kadangkala orang mencoba melindungi diri mereka sendiri dari ketakutan mereka dengan cara meletakan kepercayaan dalam sesuatu yang mereka miliki atau sesuatu yang mereka lakukan; pekerjaan baik mereka, kemampuan atau kepintaran mereka, uang atau harta kekayaan mereka. Tetapi hanya Tuhan yang dapat menyelamatkan kita dari hal yang kita takuti—hukuman kekal. Kita percaya kepada Tuhan dengan mengenal keterbatasan usaha-usaha kita mencari keselamatan dan dengan bertanya kepadaNYA untuk melakukan pekerjaannya didalam kita. Ketika Yesus berbicara tentang orang yang tidak percaya, yang dia maksudkan kepada mereka yang nyata-nyata menolak atau mengabaikan DIA, bukan kepada mereka yang masih bimbang dan ragu.

A Servant of Servants

			( based on Luke 22:7-18, 24; John 13:1-17 )           In the upper chamber of a dwelling at Jerusalem, Christ was sitting at table with His disciples. They had gathered to celebrate the Passover. The Saviour desired to keep this feast alone with the twelve. He knew that His hour was come; He Himself was the true paschal lamb, and on the day the Passover was eaten He was to be sacrificed. He was about to drink the cup of wrath; He must soon receive the final baptism of suffering. But a few quiet hours yet remained to Him, and these were to be spent for the benefit of His beloved disciples. The whole life of Christ had been a life of unselfish service. "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister," (Matt. 20:28), had been the lesson of His every act. But not yet had the disciples learned the lesson. At this last Passover supper, Jesus repeated His teaching by an illustration that impressed it forever on their minds and hearts.         The interviews between Jesus and His disciples were usually seasons of calm joy, highly prized by them all. The Passover suppers had been scenes of special interest; but upon this occasion Jesus was troubled. His heart was burdened, and a shadow rested upon His countenance. As He met the disciples in the upper chamber, they perceived that something weighed heavily upon His mind, and although they knew not its cause, they sympathized with His grief.            As they were gathered about the table, He said in tones of touching sadness, "With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come."          Christ knew that the time had come for Him to depart out of the world, and go to His Father. And having loved His own that were in the world, He loved them unto the end. He was now in the shadow of the cross, and the pain was torturing His heart. He knew that He would be deserted in the hour of His betrayal. He knew that by the most humiliating process to which criminals were subjected He would be put to death. He knew the ingratitude and cruelty of those He had come to save. He knew how great the sacrifice that He must make, and for how many it would be in vain. Knowing all that was before Him, He might naturally have been overwhelmed with the thought of His own humiliation and suffering. But He looked upon the twelve, who had been with Him as His own, and who, after His shame and sorrow and painful usage were over, would be left to struggle in the world. His thoughts of what He Himself must suffer were ever connected with His disciples. He did not think of Himself. His care for them was uppermost in His mind. On this last evening with His disciples, Jesus had much to tell them. If they had been prepared to receive what He longed to impart, they would have been saved from heartbreaking anguish, from disappointment and unbelief. But Jesus saw that they could not bear what He had to say. As He looked into their faces, the words of warning and comfort were stayed upon His lips. Moments passed in silence. Jesus appeared to be waiting. The disciples were ill at ease. The sympathy and tenderness awakened by Christ's grief seemed to have passed away. His sorrowful words, pointing to His own suffering, had made little impression. The glances they cast upon each other told of jealousy and contention. There was "a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest." This contention, carried on in the presence of Christ, grieved and wounded Him. The disciples clung to their favorite idea that Christ would assert His power, and take His position on the throne of David. And in heart each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. They had placed their own estimate upon themselves and upon one another, and, instead of regarding their brethren as more worthy, they had placed themselves first. The request of James and John to sit on the right and left of Christ's throne had excited the indignation of the others. That the two brothers should presume to ask for the highest position so stirred the ten that alienation threatened. They felt that they were misjudged, that their fidelity and talents were not appreciated. Judas was the most severe upon James and John. When the disciples entered the supper room, their hearts were full of resentful feelings. Judas pressed next to Christ on the left side; John was on the right. If there was a highest place, Judas was determined to have it, and that place was thought to be next to Christ. And Judas was a traitor. Another cause of dissension had arisen. At a feast it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing; but no servant was present, and it was the disciples' part to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything for them to do. By their silence they refused to humble themselves. How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain over them a decided victory? How could He show that a mere profession of discipleship did not make them disciples, or insure them a place in His kingdom? How could He show that it is loving service, true humility, which constitutes real greatness? How was He to kindle love in their hearts, and enable them to comprehend what He longed to tell them? The disciples made no move toward serving one another. Jesus waited for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table. Laying aside the outer garment that would have impeded His movements, He took a towel, and girded Himself. With surprised interest the disciples looked on, and in silence waited to see what was to follow. "After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded." This action opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame and humiliation filled their hearts. They understood the unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in altogether a new light. So Christ expressed His love for His disciples. Their selfish spirit filled Him with sorrow, but He entered into no controversy with them regarding their difficulty. Instead He gave them an example they would never forget. His love for them was not easily disturbed or quenched. He knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came from God, and went to God. He had a full consciousness of His divinity; but He had laid aside His royal crown and kingly robes, and had taken the form of a servant. One of the last acts of His life on earth was to gird Himself as a servant, and perform a servant's part. Before the Passover Judas had met a second time with the priests and scribes, and had closed the contract to deliver Jesus into their hands. Yet he afterward mingled with the disciples as though innocent of any wrong, and interested in the work of preparing for the feast. The disciples knew nothing of the purpose of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret. Yet He did not expose him. Jesus hungered for his soul. He felt for him such a burden as for Jerusalem when He wept over the doomed city. His heart was crying, How can I give thee up? The constraining power of that love was felt by Judas. When the Saviour's hands were bathing those soiled feet, and wiping them with the towel, the heart of Judas thrilled through and through with the impulse then and there to confess his sin. But he would not humble himself. He hardened his heart against repentance; and the old impulses, for the moment put aside, again controlled him. Judas was now offended at Christ's act in washing the feet of His disciples. If Jesus could so humble Himself, he thought, He could not be Israel's king. All hope of worldly honor in a temporal kingdom was destroyed. Judas was satisfied that there was nothing to be gained by following Christ. After seeing Him degrade Himself, as he thought, he was confirmed in his purpose to disown Him, and confess himself deceived. He was possessed by a demon, and he resolved to complete the work he had agreed to do in betraying his Lord. Judas, in choosing his position at table, had tried to place himself first, and Christ as a servant served him first. John, toward whom Judas had felt so much bitterness, was left till the last. But John did not take this as a rebuke or slight. As the disciples watched Christ's action, they were greatly moved. When Peter's turn came, he exclaimed with astonishment, "Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?" Christ's condescension broke his heart. He was filled with shame to think that one of the disciples was not performing this service. "What I do," Christ said, "thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." Peter could not bear to see his Lord, whom he believed to be the Son of God, acting the part of a servant. His whole soul rose up against this humiliation. He did not realize that for this Christ came into the world. With great emphasis he exclaimed, "Thou shalt never wash my feet." Solemnly Christ said to Peter, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me." The service which Peter refused was the type of a higher cleansing. Christ had come to wash the heart from the stain of sin. In refusing to allow Christ to wash his feet, Peter was refusing the higher cleansing included in the lower. He was really rejecting his Lord. It is not humiliating to the Master to allow Him to work for our purification. The truest humility is to receive with thankful heart any provision made in our behalf, and with earnestness do service for Christ. At the words, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me," Peter surrendered his pride and self-will. He could not endure the thought of separation from Christ; that would have been death to him. "Not my feet only," he said, "but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit." These words mean more than bodily cleanliness. Christ is still speaking of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the lower. He who came from the bath was clean, but the sandaled feet soon became dusty, and again needed to be washed. So Peter and his brethren had been washed in the great fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Christ acknowledged them as His. But temptation had led them into evil, and they still needed His cleansing grace. When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the dust from their feet, He desired by that very act to wash the alienation, jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This was of far more consequence than the washing of their dusty feet. With the spirit they then had, not one of them was prepared for communion with Christ. Until brought into a state of humility and love, they were not prepared to partake of the paschal supper, or to share in the memorial service which Christ was about to institute. Their hearts must be cleansed. Pride and self-seeking create dissension and hatred, but all this Jesus washed away in washing their feet. A change of feeling was brought about. Looking upon them, Jesus could say, "Ye are clean." Now there was union of heart, love for one another. They had become humble and teachable. Except Judas, each was ready to concede to another the highest place. Now with subdued and grateful hearts hey could receive Christ's words. Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart's purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master; but how often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper, our vanity and pride! Yet all our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean. We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His efficacy. Jesus said to the disciples, "Ye are clean, but not all." He had washed the feet of Judas, but the heart had not been yielded to Him. It was not purified. Judas had not submitted himself to Christ. After Christ had washed the disciples' feet, and had taken His garments and sat down again, He said to them, "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him." Christ would have His disciples understand that although He had washed their feet, this did not in the least detract from His dignity. "Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." And being so infinitely superior, He imparted grace and significance to the service. No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the humblest duty. That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart, and which strengthens by self-serving, Christ Himself set the example of humility. He would not leave this great subject in man's charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it, that He Himself, One equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples. While they were contending for the highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow, He whom the angels of glory count it honor to serve, bowed down to wash the feet of those who called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His betrayer. In His life and lessons, Christ has given a perfect exemplification of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God. God does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by upholding all things, He is constantly ministering for others. "He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matt. 5:45. This ideal of ministry God has committed to His Son. Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, that by His example He might teach what it means to minister. His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all. Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey it. Again and again Jesus had tried to establish this principle among His disciples. When James and John made their request for pre-eminence, He had said, "Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister." Matt. 20:26. In My kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no place. The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devotion to the service of others. Now, having washed the disciples' feet, He said, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." In these words Christ was not merely enjoining the practice of hospitality. More was meant than the washing of the feet of guests to remove the dust of travel. Christ was here instituting a religious service. By the act of our Lord this humiliating ceremony was made a consecrated ordinance. It was to be observed by the disciples, that they might ever keep in mind His lessons of humility and service. This ordinance is Christ's appointed preparation for the sacramental service. While pride, variance, and strife for supremacy are cherished, the heart cannot enter into fellowship with Christ. We are not prepared to receive the communion of His body and His blood. Therefore it was that Jesus appointed the memorial of His humiliation to be first observed. As they come to this ordinance, the children of God should bring to remembrance the words of the Lord of life and glory: "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit. The ordinance preceding the Lord's Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother. The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Saviour's humiliation for us is remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called up, memories of God's great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have crowded out the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light in which God views it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe self-censure and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil thinking and evilspeaking are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity. As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We "behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never become a mere ceremonial. Its constant lesson will be, "By love serve one another." Gal. 5:13. In washing the feet of His disciples, Christ gave evidence that He would do any service, however humble, that would make them heirs with Him of the eternal wealth of heaven's treasure. His disciples, in performing the same rite, pledge themselves in like manner to serve their brethren. Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought into a holy relationship, to help and bless each other. They covenant that the life shall be given to unselfish ministry. And this, not only for one another. Their field of labor is as wide as their Master's was. The world is full of those who need our ministry. The poor, the helpless, the ignorant, are on every hand. Those who have communed with Christ in the upper chamber will go forth to minister as He did. Jesus, the served of all, came to be the servant of all. And because He ministered to all, He will again be served and honored by all. And those who would partake of His divine attributes, and share with Him the joy of seeing souls redeemed, must follow His example of unselfish ministry. All this was comprehended in the words of Jesus, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." This was the intent of the service He established. And He says, "If ye know these things," if you know the purpose of His lessons, "happy are ye if ye do them."

ADVENT RENUNGAN ( WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD)

Romans 5:1 Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Roma 5:1 Sebab itu, kita yang dibenarkan karena iman, kita hidup dalam damai sejahtera dengan Allah oleh karena Tuhan kita, Yesus Kristus.

We now have peace with God, which may differ from peaceful feelings such as calmness and tranquility. Peace with God means that we have been reconciled with him. There is no more hostility between us, no sin blocking our relationship with him. Peace with God is possible only because Jesus paid the price for our sins with his death on the cross.

Kita sekarang memiliki kedamaian dengan Tuhan, yang dapat membedakan dari perasaan damai seperti ketenangan. Damai dalam Tuhan berarti bahwa kita telah diperdamaikan denganNYA. Tak ada lagi permusuhan diantara kita, tak ada lagi dosa yang menghalangi hubungan kita denganNYA. Damai dengan Tuhan hanya dapat terjadi karena Yesus telah membeli harga dosa-dosa kita dengan kematianNYA di salib.