“When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, “Give this man your seat.” Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, “Friend, move up to a better place.” Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’” (Luke 14:7-11)
There is strong temptation to make sure that we get what we think we deserve.
I think my position entitles me to the best parking place. I deserve the best seat at the game. No one should dare to sit in my chair in front of the TV. I want to be at the table at the front of the room. Let someone else sit by the restaurant kitchen – I should be in a quieter and better place.
It’s what I deserve. It’s what I’ve earned. It’s about respect. It’s about honor. It’s about my place in life.
Really, it’s about pride!
Consider this: what place on earth did Jesus deserve? Was coming into the world in the womb of a woman the kind of entrance He deserved? Was a stable the appropriate place for Him to be born? Was Nazareth a fitting place for Him to be raised? Should He have slept outside much of His life—or would a palace have provided accommodations more befitting who He is? Did He deserve the mocking – the spitting – the beatings – the execution? Was a cross the fit way for Him to die?
Of course none of what Jesus got on earth was fitting for Him and who He is. What He deserved was the place He left in heaven – the glory that He knew in eternity past. What He accepted was a place of humility. He did that for us.
Are you following His footsteps to humility or walking in the pride that comes so naturally?
His, by Grace,
Steve
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