When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honour at the table, he told them this parable: ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honour, 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 person 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 honoured in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ Luke 14: 7-11 [NIV]
People are obsessed with comparison, status and rank. Whether they see themselves as having the “moral high ground” or they feel inadequate in the company of others who appear to have a higher status, intelligence or success. Is there a “pass mark” for Heaven? No! Jesus taught that the heavenly order is rather different from the earthly hierarchy that we might recognise. The great levelling fact is that we are all sinners - so comparing sins or good deeds is a futile way to go about life. How do you feel about this?
Action:
Are you worried about your comparative position amongst your peers? Do you ever give in to the temptation to become proud or arrogant? Ask God to show you how much he loves you and do something today to encourage or uplift someone who is struggling today. Be humble and “take the lowest place” the next time you are “seated at the table” with others.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you that although we are all sinners who have no right of access to you - yet you sent your son to pay for our wrongdoing and thus have graciously allowed us access to your kingdom. Help me to be humble in the face of this amazing truth and to be grateful to you for evermore. Amen.
Dave MacLellan
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