11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 14, Matthew 23:12
God’s Kingdom is sometimes referred to as the ‘upside down Kingdom’, because it goes against all the selfish principles of this world system in which we live today. Have you ever thought how different life in heaven will be? No more striving, no more living for ourselves, a completely different existence.
14 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. Luke 14:1
Jesus had gone for a meal to a Pharisee’s house, but as usual they were watching Him to see whether He would heal on the Sabbath. After He’d healed a sick man, for the Kingdom of God, put mercy instead of legalism. The spirit of religion hates the Love of God, no judgement or criticism, just forgiveness.
7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honour at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “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.
Jesus simply observed how these people behaved, it wasn’t direct revelation by the Spirit. In the majority of work’s outings or even church socials it would probably be just the same today. Often, ‘Actions do speak louder than words’.
9 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.
The ‘host’, the one in authority, may decide you shouldn’t take the place you’ve chosen for yourself and tell you to step down.
10 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.
When we choose to take a low seat, we may be honoured before others. But even if we’re not, we won’t be humiliated. God honours humility and sooner or later He will see that we get the recognition we deserve.
11 For whoever (No exceptions) exalts himself will be humbled/put down, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
It’s interesting that the same theme is picked up in the Wisdom Writing in the Old Testament.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
and do not claim a place among great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honourable to seek one’s own honour. Proverbs 25
Jesus and the writer of Proverbs both warn against self-exultation, especially in the presence of others. Better to ‘humble ourselves’ and let God lift us up when He judges it right.
God bless and keep you today.