Lk 14:7-11 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. LESSON - According to Jewish custom, Sabbath meals were held In high regard, and for the religious zealots they closely resembled high level business meetings. Wiersbe notes “The seats closest to the host were the best seats, and the guests looking for recognition tried to secure them. If where we sit makes us important, then we are not very important! It is what we ARE that really counts, especially to the Lord.” A few other verses come to mind...1 Sam 16:7b “the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” Prov 16:18,19 “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” The best way to combat this evil spirit which caused Lucifer himself to be kicked out of heaven, is to allow the Lord to develop within you and “Others first” mentality. Give your life to the service of the Lord and others and you will find genuine purpose, joy, and fulfillment. That’s a lesson that the Lord and Ryan 😍 continue to teach me. Who will be in the forefront of your thoughts today?
- Mike