The Dusty Road

I grew up in a small house that faced a dirt road. There were a dozen houses around us, all on one-acre lots, and they were all on the same side of the road that ran along the top of a hill. In the summer we would walk to where the houses ended and the road went down a steep hill to the bottom where a creek crossed the road.

It was always a treat to get to walk to the creek. We would walk down the road past all the houses and if anyone was outside we might stop and talk with them for a minute on the way. The hill seemed long and steep but walking down it was fun. When we got to the creek the first thing we did was kick off our shoes and wade out in the cool clear water. That water seemed to take all the cares of the journey with it as it washed the dust off our feet.

We stayed a while to catch crawdads and chase minnows. Then we began the trip back up the hill, stopping now and then to catch our breath. When we finally got home we were glad to sit in the shade and rest for a while. Mom brought out a pan for us to wash the dirt off our feet before we could go back in the house. Walking back up that hill almost made me wonder why we went down it in the first place! But, the creek was so refreshing that the next day I was already thinking about going back.

Some journeys are like that. Even when you know the trip will be hard the destination is worth it all. You always know you will get your feet dirty if you walk on a dusty road but the trip is worth having to wash off a little dirt.

Jesus was with his disciples when they sat down for supper. They had three years of travel over dusty roads behind them. He had taught them everything He could along the way. He also knew what the road was going to be like ahead of them, that it led to a cross and a tomb. As they sat down to eat Jesus got up and took a pan of water and washed everyone’s feet. He did not do just it to wash the dirt off but to teach them one more lesson. He told them to do for each other what He had done for them. The road is dirty and we can only get to the end if we serve each other.

I heard a man say once that people who share the gospel have pretty feet. Isaiah said, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.” (52:7). We wash each other’s feet when we encourage each other to live for Jesus and share His life. He knew the road ahead led to a cross and a tomb but he also knew it lead to a throne.

Bro. Robin