Today’s scripture: Luke 14:7-11 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (E’sha Cooper):
Luke 14:11 — “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Do you remember getting in line in elementary school? Everyone wanted to be first in line. When the teacher said, “Line up,” for an activity outside of class, what did you do? Did you rush to get in front? Did you push, squeeze in, or bargain with your classmates so you could have that coveted spot? When and if you got it, how surprised were you to hear your teacher tell you to go to the back of the line because he/she wanted another child to be the leader today? How embarrassing?
Or how about when you’re on your way to work and it seems like everybody is driving Ms. Daisy? You pass up people and give them “the look,” only to be halted by a road construction sign. Now, all those people you zoomed past are the ones whose mercy you have to call upon so you can get over. How embarrassing?
In today’s devotional we explore the parable of “The Proud Reception Party Guest.” In this parable, the teacher tells a story of a gentleman who was invited to a reception by a very important member of his community. When the man shows up, he seeks out one of the best seats at the party. When the host arrives, he commands the gentleman to move to one of the lesser seats and to allow someone else to have his seat. Of course this man was tremendously embarrassed, because he had postured himself as being someone “important.” Yet once the host showed up, it was evident that his opinion of him was not as high as the opinion this man had of himself.
Sometimes we are all like this guest. We think we deserve “this” or “that.” We think that we deserve to be first in line in so many areas of life. We think we deserve to sit in the best seat. Because this is our thinking, we spend our time striving and forcing stuff to happen as we see fit, not remembering or acknowledging that God picks the seats. In Psalm 75:7 (NIV) it states that, “It is God who judges, (God) brings one down, (God) exalts another.” God is the one who signs your demotion and promotion slips. Also in Psalm 127:1 (NIV) it states, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” If you are doing anything in your own strength without God’s intervention, you’re doing it in vain.
I know that our temptation is to chase after being first, number one, and on top, yet none of these things have a foundation unless God does it for us. We have to stay in our lane. Just like God confirmed Christ’s significance and greatness after Christ’s baptism (Matthew 3:17), God will do the same thing for you as you submit and humble yourself to God.
When we try to exalt ourselves, it’s like making ourselves the sheriff over a town where no one even knows our name. When God exalts us, it’s like being voted unanimously by all of the town’s people to be both sheriff and mayor. What a difference.
You rarely hear of people getting lost in a foreign city, if they have a guide. Let the Lord guide and direct you. The Lord invented and designed the city and the map. If you really want to be successful on the road of life, then take God along for the ride every trip you make. Let God be your gas and your GPS.
Prayer for the day: Lord, I’ve spent so much time driving all over the roads of life without your direction, trying to get ahead or to be first in line. I’ve caused so many accidents, where I’ve wound up injured or I’ve caused others to get injured or both. I was never designed to drive without a map, instructions or a GPS. Thank you that your love and wisdom are the perfect GPS system for my life. May I patiently prepare myself for the ride until you give me clear directions. Thank you for the grace to stay in my lane. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.