Beautiful are the Feet...

Those who know me know my feelings towards feet. I hate them, like a lot. I have no idea where this hatred came from, but I have had it as long as I can remember. That entire time I have also found them gross and I want nothing to do with them. I don't even like my own feet.

Yesterday was an unseasonably warm day for February in Nebraska, and as with any warm day people were wearing shorts, t-shirts and even a few chacos. The guy that I meet with was one of these crazy few allowing his feet to the elements. I noticed right away, but I didn't say anything because it is a well established fact that he is a little crazy. I have met with this guy for about a year and a half now and I have had the privilege to see him grow and mature into even more a man of God than when I first met him.

So you may be wondering how this all ties together. It does all come together, I promise.

Both him and I are giving up Facebook for Lent and we are replacing it with praying for the nations in order to make our heart more like God. Last night neither of us had prayed for the five countries assigned for that day so he suggested that we just do it right here and now. Even though it was late and I had an hour drive ahead of me I knew that this would be the most refreshing thing that I would do that day so I agreed. 

I started praying for Ecuador and then I handed the book to him so that he can pray for Egypt. Then I bow my head while he is praying. I do this so that I can stay focused, not because I think it makes you more spiritual. So in my effort to stop distraction, God leads my heart on a bit of a rabbit trail when I notice his feet. I started staring at his feet, which admittedly sounds creepy, but then God brought Romans 10:12-15 to mind. 

"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”"

So then I start to realize how beautiful his feet had become to me, because of what they represented. He is sharing the good news of Christ and reconciliation actively through his life. He is serving those around him, seeking to be an encouragement for people. He has a heart for the Nations and longs to see the gospel reach the ends of the earth. He is willing to give of his time and resources to the work of the kingdom, not because he is obligated to, but because he has had the gospel transform his life. His feet are beautiful for no merit of their own, but for the divine purpose he has been called to.