Scripture:
Luke 14:10-11 – “But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Observation:
Jesus is dining at the home of a ruler of the Pharisees and told this parable as he watched how people tried to place themselves to sit in positions of honor. Jesus tells the group to sit in a low place and the God will recognize you and give you honor. In the Kingdom of God it is counter cultural so those who honor themselves will be humbled and those who are humble will be exalted.
Application:
Everyone wants to be honored and receive praise for our efforts no matter what we are doing at work, sport even can unhealthily slip into ministry. The question then becomes, where we derive our praise. For the Pharisees, they jockey for a spot to place themselves in a position of honor among men. This is an example of pride and being self-righteous which God does not like. Jesus tells us to be humble and He will call you to be exalted in the only place it ultimately matters in the kingdom of God. The analogy of seating at a wedding feast is the humility that God seeks across all aspects of our lives.
Prayer:
Father, Thank you for your love, grace and mercy you have given me. Help me live a life of humility to serve/ honor you. Let your Spirit guide me to not be self- righteous and honor myself.