At Jesus' Feet
As Joshua fought the Amorites, in taking the land of Canaan for Israel, five kings were trapped in a cave and captured. Joshua had the men brought forth, and said unto his chief men of war, "Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings" (Josh. 10:22-f) It was a graphic symbol of triumph and submission.
Later, Ruth lay at the feet of Boas (Ruth 3:1-f), giving herself to him. Mary sat at Jesus feet, and Paul was brought up "at the feet" of Gamaliel (Lk. 10:39; Acts 22:3) meaning; they submitted themselves for instruction. When the early Christians sold their possessions they "brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet" -- giving them control of the fund -- putting it at their disposal (Acts 4:34-f) (Incidentally, here is a pooled fund, with control, by which the Jerusalem church acted as one -- collectively.)
So, it came as no surprise when we read that God "put all things under His (Christ's) feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." (Eph. 1:22-f) The church at Christ's feet, means He has the control -- we constitute His church only to the extent we submit ourselves to Him.
The submission must be complete. Though our submission is an act of our free will, it is as complete as that of the kings to Joshua. Paul writes, "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Cor. 6:19-f)
We must "sit at His feet" to receive instructions. In this there is submission of our will to His. Like Mary, we develop a "singleness" of heart; knowing "one thing is needful" rather than the multiple cares and distractions of this life. None who "hunger and thirst" for righteousness, "at His feet," will go unfilled. (Matt. 5:6) But the "oncer attender"--"seldom-get-to-class" "never-study-at-home" kind of church member, makes a mockery of sitting "at Jesus' feet." The meaning of the figure is completely lost on such.
When we are truly "at His feet" we consign our soul to His power and keeping. We are His to use, a "living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1) a "bond-servant" (slave) of Christ. (1 Cor. 7:22) But we are also His to keep. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." There is security at the feet of Jesus, and "peace that passeth all understanding." (1 Pet. 5:6-7 Phil. 4:7)
Christ's ultimate victory will see "all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." (1 Cor. 15:25-26) And there is a triumph for Christians too, with all things "under his feet." (Heb. 2:6-f) But we can attain unto this high plane intended for us by our Maker, only as we submit to the Lord. Obedience is freely rendered by those who truly "sit at Jesus' feet.