X

Jesus (The Best Seat)

So He (Jesus) told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast,
do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; “and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this person’
and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place.
“But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:7-11

There is something in human nature that wants the ‘best seat’ or the ‘honored place’ or to be ‘up front’.

Just notice they way so many people drive, they want to be in front. We want our team to be in first place. We push forward.

Jesus taught something else. It is the opposite of the fallen nature of the human heart. Jesus said don’t take the best seat but the lowest. Wow!

God want us to be humble in our lives and in our relationship with others. Jesus didn’t say don’t set in a seat of honor or the best seat but rather to wait to be called forward.

When we do something our nature wants instant reward and honor but Jesus taught for us to be content in the lowest place with no honor or reward. At the proper time and place we ‘may’ be called forward. To sit in the best seat is not our goal but following Jesus is!

Take a look at Jesus. Study His life and seek to follow Him in every way. We are to serve Jesus as we serve others.

Take a look at the way people going to the opera or to a fine restaurant often turn up their nose when they see or are approached by a homeless person. It is often sadly true that similar behavior is demonstrated at the church door or even by the church receptionist. Oh, lets get a bit personal, is that ‘my behavior’ too.

We don’t want to be rejected but honored. So we often push our way forward trampling on others on our way up. You may get the best seat in an earthly banquet but miss the best seat in heaven.

Have no fear dear follower of Jesus laboring unknown in the Lord’s vineyard. Your Master is watching, rather He is with you. In time He will call you forward to sit with Him. Don’t push it. Rest in the Lord.

One thing that I have thanked God for so many times is that in personal witnessing I am always in personal touch with others and hear every comment and word. As I have carried the cross around the world people can come up to me and say how they feel be it good or bad. I tell you it keeps you humble. Ha!

I must seek to live in a humble manner. Jesus is my judge and knows my heart and yours.

We are to serve God and others.

God bless you as you follow Jesus.

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,

Arthur and Denise Blessitt

Luke 18:1