Hidden Truth
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law” (Psalm 119:18). The scriptures are rich with life-giving truth. Much of this truth is hidden for those who will seek it, particularly in idioms.
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it. For example, “It breaks my heart” does not mean that our physical heart is broken into various parts. Rather, this idiom conveys that one is grieved or disappointed with respect to some matter.
Let us meditate upon the idiom, at his feet, which portrays a diverse set of applications for our personal lives.
In Subjection
Consider Christ: all things have been put in subjection under His feet. The One who is over all rule and authority, power, and dominion is head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1 :21-22; I Corinthians 15:25,27; Hebrews 2:8). Whereas head symbolizes authority, foot is used to express the complement—subjection.
To extend the analogy, when we are subject to Christ, members of His body, then we have authority over those things that are put under His feet and subject to Him (Psalm 8:6).
Evil Powers
Those who were obedient to Christ were given the promise from Paul that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20). Jesus gave authority to the seventy disciples to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). Likewise, as those who are subject and obedient to Christ, we are delegated authority to make evil powers be subject to His will.
Worship
The essence of worship is to bow down; by so doing we emphasize the greatness of the One we worship. When John was enraptured by visions of worship in heaven, he saw the twenty-four elders fall down and worship God. The revelation of the “true words of God” led John to testify, “and I fell at his feet to worship him…,” (Revelation 19:1-4, 9-10).
We do well in our worship of God to bow down in our hearts and, at times, to fall prostrate before His feet in reverence and honor.
Learner’s Posture
Mary and Martha were glad to welcome Jesus to their home. Mary “was listening to the Lord’s word seated at His feet.” This is the posture of a learner, submitted to the voice and authority of the teacher. Martha was distracted with all her preparations.While Martha was worried and bothered by so many things, Mary had chosen the one really necessary thing. Mary had chosen a submissive, receptive, undistracted devotion to the
Lord and His Word. At another time Mary honored Jesus and prepared His body for burial by anointing His feet with costly perfume (Luke 10:38-42; John 12: 1-7).
We learn best when we acknowledge the Lord as one who teaches with authority. In turn, we can only know truth when we know Him and worshipfully, humbly sit at His feet.
Releasing Offerings
In the early church in Jerusalem there was a pervasive spirit of sharing. Believers voluntarily and spontaneously sold property and possessions in order to share with anyone who had need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-27; 5:1-2; 6:1-6).
Initially, it appears, believers spontaneously shared with others who had need. Eventually, the distribution was overseen and conducted by the apostles and then deacons. Believers brought the proceeds of selling what belonged to them and laid them at the apostles’ feet. In so doing, they were releasing control of their offering. They were submitting it to the apostles who would discern and conduct the distribution of it to specific needs.
Similarly, in our giving, both in worship and benevolence we submit our contributions to God’s representative servants. In turn, they are responsible for determining the distribution of what we have released to their administration.
Acknowledging Deliverance
When Jesus began commanding the demons to leave the wild man of Gadara, the man cried out and fell before Him. In this act he recognized the authority of Jesus, the Son of the Most High God.
After the demons were cast out of the man and drowned the swine, the people came and found the man with Jesus. He was sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. The transformation frightened the people (Luke 8:26-39).
Serene, submitted and indebted–this man acknowledged his deliverance at the feet of Jesus. Yet at Jesus’ sending, he went away proclaiming throughout the whole city what wonderful things Jesus had done for him.
As we realize all that Jesus has done to set us free from the bondage of evil powers, our sin and sinfulness, we do best to yield to Him in an ongoing way. Worshipping, learning, obeying are the marks of disciples who sit at His feet.
Servant Loyalty
Absalom’s conspiracy had just been realized; David’s flamboyant son had drawn the hearts of Israel away from him. David quickly discerned that, for the moment, the best response was to flee Jerusalem. He called his servants to go in haste.
David’s servants were ready to do whatever he chose. The King went out with all the people with him (at his feet), including six hundred men (at his feet) from Goth. Such is servant loyalty: to be with one’s master is to maintain an attitude of servanthood, submitted to his choices and direction—even in the face of adversity.
When those to whom we are responsible experience adversity, weakened authority, or a decrease in popularity, the greatest help they may need is to know we are still at their feet.
Seeking Mercy
In desperate moments, our destiny may be dependent upon the decision or action of another. Such was the case of the two slaves who fell at the feet of their creditors. Jesus’ parables on forgiveness portrays debtors seeking for mercy that would extend the length of time for repayment (Matthew 18:21-35).
Esther had risked her life to approach the King without invitation. The King had extended his scepter (authority) to grant her an audience. She bravely exposed Haman’s plot to kill the Jews through the two banquets she sponsored for the King and Haman.
Yet the decree to kill all of the Jews was still in effect. Dare she risk her life once more. Apart from the King’s favor and mercy, a race, her race, would be exterminated. Again, Esther spoke to the King, fell at his feet, wept, and implored him to avert the evil scheme of Haman. And the King extended the golden scepter to Esther. So, Esther arose and stood before the King (Esther 8:3-4).
By recognizing the King’ s authority, by submitting herself to his protocol, by seeking mercy she was delegated authority to resist and overcome the evil decree of Haman.
We can make a powerful appeal to those with authority in our life appealing for by mercy, favor, or authorization to change circumstances against us. When we creatively, voluntarily place ourselves at their feet, mercy may or may not be given. However, when we do so, we must do so to the Lord, whose mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).
We must be ready to extend mercy to those who place themselves at our feet, for we have already been forgiven much.
Washing Feet
Mary had anointed Jesus’ feet with costly perfume: He was touched in His heart, honored for His divine mission, sanctified for burial. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet: they were touched in their hearts, identified as His, sanctified for service (John 13:1-17).
It was the servant’s job to wash the dirty feet of guests at one’s home. Jesus gave his disciples an example of voluntarily taking the place of serving. He washed the feet of one He knew would betray Him.
To wash the feet of another, literally or symbolically, is to put ourselves at that person’s feet. We are voluntarily saying, I subject myself to serve your practical needs. Jesus said, “You are blessed if you do these things.”
Oh, that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall and crown Him Lord of all!
