REFLECT

At least twice in the book of Luke—Luke 14:11 and Luke 18:14, Jesus urges us “those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” I would not be surprised if Jesus actually said this several more times to his followers. Matthew 23:12 cites another instance. Jesus’ little brother, James, gives the same advice in James 4:10. It’s so counter-cultural for us. Every message around us urges us instead to look out for ourselves…to be concerned and consumed by how we appear in front of others.

Jesus is inviting us into a different way than the dog-eat-dog world out there. Instead of being fixated on our status, Jesus says: Don’t climb the social ladder. Don’t worry about making a good impression on those around you or building up your reputation. Don’t spend time impressing others with your wisdom, or with or wealth or connections or experience. Honor is given; not taken or pursued. Live freely and give freely. Trust God to lift you up at the right time in the right way.

There’s simply no way we can do this unless we have come to find Jesus trustworthy. Can God be trusted? This is the heart of the matter. We either trust Him with our lives or we look out for ourselves. This is the on-going call for disciples of Jesus…we never reach a point where trust is not the name of the game. But we can, by looking back on His faithfulness, remind ourselves that He will be faithful once again. As the old hymn says, Morning by morning new mercies I see…All I have needed thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.

RESPOND

1. What area of your life right now could use a greater sense of trust in God lifting you up in the right way at the right time?
2. Who are the poor, the lame, the crippled, the blind in our society today? Who are the people you could give to who cannot repay you? What and how could you give to them in a way where God would be pleased?

READ: Luke 14:7-14
7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “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. 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. 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 honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”