"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you."
Today is Maundy Thursday according to the church calendar.
"What Thursday," you ask?
Maundy Thursday, and yes, it sounds weird. So I looked up the etymology of the word, and it comes from the same root word where we get our modern word "mandate." The Church recognizes this day as "Commandment" Thursday, the day of Christ's last supper.
As you well know, Jesus met the disciples in an upstairs room for the Seder dinner, a Jewish tradition that is part of celebrating Passover. "Seder" means "order," and it refers to the ritual where this Passover dinner takes each "course" in a specific order with blessings.
Now, Jesus was considered by all the apostles as their leader, but in preparation for the dinner, Jesus took a bowl and cloth, and washed the feet of his disciples, under their protestations. They felt unworthy for Jesus to wash them. But instead, Jesus gave them a new commandment. "Love each other... as I have loved you."
So the mandate, or commandment, that Jesus gives here becomes the very heart of Christian life. Love one another, as Jesus loves you. Serve each other. Submit yourselves to each other, giving as Christ gave his life to us.
I am reminded on this day of a gift I once received from Pastor Robert H. Schuller, when I was first married. It was an enormous silver spoon! With it was a note: "Give to each other, as Christ gives to you. As you give your teaspoon in love, imagine this spoon as Christ's return. Far greater than any offering you can give, God will honor and bless your gift tenfold."
This morning, Dr. Schuller left our world to be reunited with his beloved wife, Arvella, and the God he so richly served during his lifetime. Despite any criticism people may hold regarding the final days at the Crystal Cathedral, I believe Robert Schuller had an enormous, lasting impact on the Christian faith. Like those ministers he admired most, like Norman Vincent Peale and Bishop Sheen, Schuller brought church out the dark sanctuaries and mysterious church language, and forever changed the way Christ's message is delivered to a modern world.
His "Possibility Thinking" philosophy taught people to stop concentrating on the guilt of sin, but instead look at the value and love God holds for you. He taught his followers that is God was on their side, who could possibly stand against them. In essence, look for the possibilities in life, and live joyfully! Schuller's little drive-in dream ended up circling the world, from Garden Grove to Moscow Russia.
So on this Maundy Thursday, remember the great blessings God returns to those who serve. Dare to dream, dare even more to serve. Love each other, and you will be amazed at how God will bless your efforts!
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