Matthew 23:12
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
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Most of the time, either as the host or the guest, we forget the real purpose of why we offer a party or a dinner. As the host, we would like to invite the rich and the famous so in the future, we might be invited by them in return. We would serve the best and expensive foods, so our friends would exalt us, telling us how rich and blessed we are.
And as guest, we would come in lavish gowns and dress and would seat ourselves near the host, so we would be included in all the pictures. Also, so everyone would notice the dress and jewelries that we are wearing, so our friends would exalt us, telling us how rich and blessed we are.
This is exactly what Jesus, in his parables during the dinner with the Pharisees, wants us to realize and eventually refrain from doing. Every dinner that we have to host or attend, do it out of love, invite out of the goodness of your heart. Don't look for status, but rather bless each other with your generosity.
God invites to his own table not those who can do something for Him, who can bring him expensive gifts and loud praises; but the hurting, the oppressed, those who have nothing to bring, the crushed and brokenhearted. The Father invites them to His table, not to help Himself, but to help them. Not to receive a blessing, but to bless them fully.
Through Jesus, we received the open invitation of the Father. You and I have received an invitation to His table for no other reason than love, abundantly seasoned with grace. Accept the invitation, and live.
Let us pray +
Father, sometimes I can be a cynical as the Pharisees sitting at this table. Cleanse and renew me. Perfect and refine my motives so that your heart might fill mine, and your desires might become my own. Forgive me and make me whole. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen +
The Lord will not abandon his people.
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