"Beware of the scribes, who like to walk about in long robes and love to be saluted [with honor] in places where people congregate and love the front and best seats in the synagogues and places of distinction at feasts."
(Luke 20:46, Amplified Bible)
I have noticed over the years that, "the best seats...and the best places," in church meetings always go to the leadership and the "guest speakers." Personally I have no problem with that. The problem is, however, according to Our Lord Jesus, when people "love," "like," "desire," and/or expect, and get offended if they don't get, "the best seats...and the best places."
Someone once told me of some guest speakers who come to their meetings and expect a certain quality of hotel rooms, certain temperatures for the saunas, etc. Now if a group of people want to give me their "best," I have no problem with that, and accept it graciously. But if, as my wife and I once experienced in Czechoslovakia during the communist era, are given a very old room with no private bath, and a "necessary room" which was an outdoor toilet actually in a room in the house (you can possibly imagine what that was like), we made no complaint and were not offended. We were there for them, not for any luxury they could give us.
Our Lord, while walking this earth in the flesh, was entertained by Zacchaeus and Lazarus, and most likely treated to some of the best which Jews in Israel at that time had to offer, and I'm sure with no more enthusiasm for serving and graciousness and love than when he encountered the widow at Nain, the leper, or any of the poor in Israel. This is not easy for those who, "walk according to the flesh." It is a delight, however, to those, "who walk...according to the Spirit."
Father, in Jesus' Name, Holy Spirit, help me to continually see that all I have and receive is from You, whether a Hilton or Motel 6--- and be just as thankful for both. Amen.
* I will be preaching in a church meeting in Ohio, June 5
* Meeting with representatives of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Mormons, and other religions, June 12
* DC Prayer Mission, June 15
* Meeting with InterVarsity Workers whom we will be supporting, June 22
* Deep Prayer Concern For Israel in the Next Few Days: www.apf327.blogspot.com
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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
