“Love Consecrates the Humblest Act”, ELW 360
Devotion
Love consecrates the humblest act
and haloes mercy's deeds;
it sheds a benediction sweet
and hallows human needs.
When in the shadow of the cross
Christ knelt and washed the feet
of his disciples, he gave us
a sign of love complete.
Love serves and willing stoops to serve;
what Christ in love so true
has freely done for one and all,
let us now gladly do!
Today and tomorrow's devotions are connected—like law and gospel, cross and resurrection, death and life. In this beloved hymn we are taken again to the upper room, where Christ once more demonstrates his humility. The shadow of the cross is near as he sets aside his privileged position as teacher and leader and takes up the towel to wash his disciples' feet. Unjustified suffering, pain and loss await him. Yet, he lives now to impart to his disciples the steadfast love of God that Psalm 103 proclaimed to us earlier this week. God’s love is made manifest in love for others and in forgiveness for our transgressions, even when we have often not followed Christ’s example. And as Martin Luther reminds us, where forgiveness of sins occurs there is also life and salvation. This forgiveness comes freely; about our response, we will say more tomorrow.
Prayer
Forgiving God, you are so ready for us to be reunited with you. Your son knelt in humility at his disciples’ feet as he prepared to die so we might live. Strengthen us in repentance; by the gift of your law, make us aware of our sin so we may be made grateful for your steadfast love and forgiveness. In the name of the crucified one, Jesus Christ, Amen.