Wax On Wax Off
In the original Karate Kid Mr. Miagi started training Daniel by getting him to wax his car. Remember, wax on, wax off. Daniel was restless to learn all he could about karate, but he needed to learn the basics. He wanted to go from never fighting to winning the championship without going through the necessary steps. So, wax on, wax off was his training. He couldn’t see at the time that the motion of putting wax on and taking wax off was the exact basic motion he needed to be a great karate fighter. It wasn’t until later, after he had trusted his master, that he saw how it all fit together. A simple lesson, but a very significant lesson in the art of Karate.
In John 13:1-17 Jesus gives a simple lesson that has a significant effect on all his disciples and all of us. At the last supper he gets up, takes a basin of water and a towel and proceeds to wash the disciples feet. In verse 8 Peter said, “Master, you wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.” (wax on, wax off) Jesus took the time to show his disciples that He didn’t come to be served, but to serve. His act of humility and service showed an inner strength that set the stage for what was to come; His crucifixion.
Suddenly wax on, wax off means so much more to me. I can’t immediately go to the top of the heap without first being a servant. It seems so opposite to the world and that’s because it is opposite, as it should be. Jesus also said, “the first will be last and the last will be first.” Sounds crazy, much like Danielson thought when he was asked to start waxing, but it all made sense when he got into the ring.
Where are you in the area of serving? Is it something that you easily do or is it a pain for you to do? Perhaps today you can refocus your energy back to the heart of who you are by finding your service again. Service that shows the world who Jesus really is!! Today is Maundy Thursday and it is a day where we remember the Lord’s Supper and the service example Jesus shared with His disciples. In fact, Maundy means “foot washing.” Stop where you are right now and ask God, “Am I a good servant.” If not, change. If you are, then keep that attitude and let it grow.
I have found out there will always be feet to wash and lives to help. I need to line up with the attitude of Christ and make every day Maundy Thursday. Remember, wax on, wax off…Now get in the ring!!
The Pilgrimage continues…..
David Warren