Scripture
“Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Observation
Jesus notices at a feast that everyone is jockeying for the best position. He tells them that, rather than doing this, they should go to the lowest place. Then the host can promote them.

When we throw a party we should not just invite those who can repay the favour. Rather we should invite the poor and the beggars so that God will reward us.

Application
The world is all about self-promotion and self-interest. We are constantly encouraged to put ourselves forward and to look to our own interests.

Jesus reverses this and encourages us to be truly humble, not seeking self-promotion but resting in our relationship with God.

In the final analysis, it is God who raises us and it is God who pulls down. It is so much more important to be walking in God's favour than seeking the fickle favour of men,

Prayer
Father I thank you for your great love. Please help me to serve you and not just myself. Amen.