Observation: Jesus uses the example of this dinner to make a key point about humility in the kingdom of God. Those who try to 'take' a place of honor may find themselves humiliated by being forced to vacate their place. However, those who simply take a humble seat at the table may be publicly honored by being promoted to a better spot. The point is, being humble is always better, at it leaves room for honor, while self-promotion can lead to humiliation.
Application: I am in a position of humility now, and the reminder in my life today is this ... in need to be mentally content in that position. I must not attempt to promote myself, or find some outlet of self-promotion, or seek a way to elevate myself.
If that is to come - if I am to be promoted or in some way honored - that will come from the Lord, without my effort.
And in this place of humble position, I need to do a better job of simply living within that role. I need to do the humble work that aligns to this position, and just do it to the best of my ability. In this way, I can honor the Lord himself. And if that also means I simply remain in this humble position for the rest of my earthly work career, that's great too. I would rather simply attend the wonder banquet of blessing the Lord has prepared, than to be dishonored before others because I attempted to obtain more for myself.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for all you freely give to me and my family. May I simply and quietly do the work before me, with humility. I do not want or need any earthly acknowledgement. May I instead keep my eye focused on only one future honor, that being your statement of 'well done, good and faithful servant.' With my eye on that prize alone, I am your servant. Amen.
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