Good Morning Friends,
“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, 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.” Humiliated, you will have to
take the least important place. 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.” You will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 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 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.
In truth, it’s about pride!
Consider the place on earth Jesus deserved? 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? Would
a palace have provided accommodations more befitting who He is? Did He deserve
the mocking – spitting – beating – execution? Was a cross the fit way for Him
to die?
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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