'Lifting up Others'

are jockeying to get the best seat of honor. Jesus warns them that putting themselves first could backfire if the host tells them to take a lower seat. Finally, Jesus sees that the host only invited the most prominent people in town. Jesus tells him that he left out the poor and lame who can’t repay him but are just as important as everyone else at the dinner. 

I’m challenged by Jesus’ rebuke of the host and people in attendance at the dinner. I know that I sometimes pass by people in need, think more highly of myself than I should, and tend to invite ‘important’ people to be with. Do you tend to do the same? Perhaps you and I can take a step this week to reorient ourselves then actually do something to lift up others rather than ourselves. Who has God been asking you to spend time with but you have ignored?  Today is the day to reach out to that person and in so doing become a little more like Jesus.

Blessings, 

Jonathan