Our scripture this week is Luke 18:9-14.
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:14
Here is a lesson that Jesus has taught us time and time again – “those who humble themselves will be exalted.” He has used many examples in His parables and lived a life to show us this is what God expects of us. God is the source of all things, anything we accomplish is due to His gifts.
In Matthew 20:16 Jesus tells “So the last will be first, and the first will be last”, the same teaching we have heard today. We must serve the Lord and each other with joy. John 13:15-17 tells us “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
Our own strength is not sufficient to stand against the world. Only by humbling ourselves before God and accepting the power He gives us can we succeed. “Lord whose love through humble service, bore the weight of human need” the old hymn says, Christ’s example for how to live our lives in Him.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for your gifts and unworthy to receive them. Help us to be humble servants of Your kingdom, sharing Your love with everyone. Amen.