Come on up!
by Pastor Jim Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘Friend, move up to a better place’ (Luke 14:10).
As pastor of a congregation with a school, I was always included in staff photos. My natural inclination was to go and stand in the back row where the male staff tended to be. No particular humility – I guess another option never occurred to me. But the principal beckoned, inviting me to come and sit in the front row next to him. Slightly embarrassed, but feeling hugely honoured, I moved to the front row.
I always remember that. The principal invited me; he thought that my rightful place was next to him. I couldn’t have felt more honoured.
Can you recall a time when you felt particularly honoured? Maybe when you were celebrating a special birthday or some other occasion and speeches were made, and you felt a little awkward but also a little chuffed – and a little humbled because you know your shortcomings.
Here’s the thing about Jesus’ teaching for those who tended to choose for themselves the best seats. The host invites the one in the lesser seat to come on up. The honour is not presumed; the host gives it.
Has it occurred to you that this is what God does for you? Whatever seat you think you deserve, it’s a lesser seat. But God invites you to come and sit with him. Like the father in the story of the prodigal son (see Luke 15), he runs to meet you, dresses you royally, and puts on a feast for you. As Jesus says, it would be humiliating if you presumed the best seat and had to be asked to move! Graciously, the host bestows the honour because that’s what he chooses to do.
Lord, it’s hard for me to understand why you would bestow honour on me. I can think of plenty of reasons why you wouldn’t. But thank you – thank you for your generosity and grace. Amen.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
