Learning about foot washing amongst the Mennonites seems a bit awkward to me. Do you think it would be OK to give them a little tickle. But seriously do the men wash the men and so forth?
"Sitting in deep contemplation, Amos reflects on the goodness of God as the new member, Bro. Ratchet30, washes his feet. Suddenly, the entire assembly of men is disrupted as Amos breaks out in uncontrollable laughter! It seems this young upstart tickled the bottom of his foot, and finding it hillarious, Amos, just bust out. . . "
O.k., so we won't go any further there. Yes, it is actually a blessing. I remember the first foot washing I went to. The format of that particular church was to take the Lord's Supper first, then split up, men in one room, and women, in another. Now, the men would sit silently, but the sisters would sing. It was heavenly to hear their sweet voices wafting over the church as we took part in our sacred duty. I sat right next to one of the #2 metal tubs filled with warm water, (and a little bit of fabric softener, because, to be honest, men's feet can get a little. . . well, you know, smelly.)
Anyways, as there tradition was, one brother arose, came across the room, asked another brother, "Can I wash your feet?" To which the other gave his nod of acceptance and they walked over to the chair next to me.
One brother sat, (shoes and socks already off,) as they other began to scoop water up with his hands and pour it over his feet. As he did it, he quietly whispered a prayer of blessing upon his brother. Then, unexpectedly, he said, "You and I had some strong words the other day over that tractor issue." Apparently there was something between these two brothers. He continued, "I hope you know I'm sorry for my short temper and that I love you and am committed to you as your brother in Christ." The brother who was seated now arose. He took his brother in a godly, manly, embrace, and kissed him on the cheek. He said, "No, it was me brother, I should have been more careful." They switched places and the one now standing washed the others feet. It was beautiful.
I came from a rip snorten,' manly-man Ind. Baptist background. Men did not kiss men. But this was different, it was holy, it was sacred. Tears ran down my cheeks as I watched this wonderful act, displaying the grace and love of God that is to be displayed between brethren. I have been an advocate of foot washing ever since.
John 13
[12] So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
[13] Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
[14] If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
[15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
[16] 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.
[17] If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Now, I've heard people say, it is just an example of selfless service of others. And, it is, BUT, it is MORE than that. Yes, we should go mow our brothers lawn when he is sick. Yes, we should go cut firewood for an elderly sister. BUT, there is a place and time to ACTUALLY meet with the brethren and wash their feet. It is biblical. It has church history to back it. And, you'll never know the blessing obedience to this ordinance unless you actually do it.
Bro. Ben
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