OzThoughts – Tuesday 11th August, 2009

OzThoughts – Tuesday 11th August, 2009

Many years ago, when I was a Cadet in the Salvation Army Training College (Sydney, Australia Eastern) I had the privilege of sharing with a Cadet from an Asian Country. I learnt from him and no doubt he learnt much from the experience as he was a good leader amongst his people until he was Promoted to Glory.

He must have wondered at us Ozzies, as our ways were very different to his ways. One of the early lessons, he learnt was that when he peeled fruit that the peelings were placed on his plate not thrown on the dining room floor. There was no one to clean up his orange skin.

Another lesson, he had to learn and I know this was very hard for him was that he had to take his turn on rosters. We were all rostered for washing plates and cutlery after each meal. There was a dish washing machine to use but a number of items needed to be hand washed and dried using a tea towel. Our Cadet friend had to be encouraged to enter the wash up room but he still stood back when given a tea towel. It was noticed he had tears in his eyes. When asked why his comment was “I am a holy man dedicated top my Lord Jesus. I am to do holy works not women’s works”.

Our friend did learn the value of service and before long he realised that while holiness separated him from “the world” it did not stop him from being involved in the necessary things of daily life. (When I used this illustration in a devotional at band practice, I suggested that bandsmen tell their wives they are “holy men” and only do that which is holy, and not women’s work).

3-6 Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, "Master, you wash my feet?"
7 Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later."
8 Peter persisted, "You're not going to wash my feet—ever!"
Jesus said, "If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing."
9 "Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!" John 13:3-9 (The Message)

True happiness is love expressed in service,
True holiness, compassion deep and strong;
In giving of my best I find contentment,
And so forget how hard the way and long.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Chorus Section: 208

How can I better serve thee, Lord,
Thou who hast done so much for me?
Faltering and weak my labour has been;
O that my life may tell for thee!

Chorus
Here at the cross in this sacred hour,
Here at the source of reviving power,
Helpless indeed, I come with my need;
Lord, for thy service, fit me I plead.

Dull are my ears to hear thy voice,
Slow are my hands to work for thee,
Loath are my feet to conquer the steeps
That lead me to my Calvary.

Strength for my weakness, Lord, impart;
Sight for my blindness give to me;
Faith for my doubtings, Lord, I would crave,
That I may serve thee worthily.
Author: Bramwell Coles (1887-1960)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 488

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