The Lost Parable of Jesus
I have this theory that different types of Christians like different sets of parables. Truly evangelical believers love the parables of Matthew 13. End time-focused believers love the parables of Matthew 24 and 25. The list can go on. I suppose you should expect this because each segment of Christians you meet are called by God to manifest a different aspect of Christ.
I have this other theory that a parable in Luke 14 is one of the forgotten parables of Jesus.
It’s sad to me though, because this parable gives one of the most practical instructions on how to manage yourself with humility in a gathering you’ve been invited to. (I think it’s important to note that I believe Jesus would teach something very different if He were teaching you how to host a gathering. Don’t apply Jesus’ lesson on being a guest to the idea of leading or hosting.) Over and over I see believers not put this wisdom into practice.
Below you’ll find the parable in it’s entirety. It’s better if you read it and apply it to your own life. But this time, read the parable as if Jesus meant you to apply this idea in any event you’ve been invited into. How would it change how you act?
And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them,
When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him,
and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place.
But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Now that you’ve read the parable, where does it apply to your life? Are there other places (i.e. like when you’re hosting or leading) where this wisdom won’t work?
Photo Credit: Parables Notebooking by jimmiehomeschoolmom
Once Upon A Time…
There once was a good King who ruled a kingdom with love and justice. Even though this King was beyond equal, he was not understood by many of his subjects. In time a rebellion was launched throughout much of the kingdom and those subjects who were ruled well by the King began to resist his laws and laugh at his decrees. Conflict began to erupt as those who threw off the King’s rule clashed with those still subject to His reign.
Now the King had one son, as just and good as his father. He was the apple of his father’s eye and more than anyone else represented the good that could come from being subject to the King. The son loved the Kingdom as much as the King and it caused them both great pain to see the rebellion sweep through the Kingdom. The King’s son asked for permission to lead the Kingdom’s army in restoring order to the Kingdom and the King. Seeing the love that his son had for the Kingdom, the King sent the son to the furthest reaches of the Kingdom to restore the reign of love and justice.
For a long season the King’s son fought on behalf of the Kingdom. He did not just battle the forces of the rebellion. He helped them. He was determined to demonstrate to the rebellion that the King’s reign was not just rules, but a good way of life that benefited all. His army would restore buildings destroyed by the battle, even while the rebellion looked on and mocked the King’s authority. He would personally take in the orphans of battle, especially if the orphans’ parents were part of the rebellion.
One day, the son came across a faction of rebels that was like most they had encountered. One rebel in particular thought he would prove a point and he shot the king’s son with an arrow through the arm. This incited others from the rebellion to fire at the king’s son, something no one had ever dared to do previously. And that day, the King’s son died, watching the people that he loved rejoice over the victory they had achieved in killing him.
The news reached the King back at his palace and those of the army that escaped reported to the king the names of the villagers that were involved. The King rose from his throne, rallied an army and fought through the rebellion until he found the very group of men who had killed His son. He captured those men, brought them back to His kingdom and showed them his kindness. He treated them with the same love that he treated his only son that they had killed. He treated with special kindness the one who shot the first arrow. It was his intention to love this man more than the rest, because he knew that the deepest rebellion was in him.
In time, the prisoners of the King learned of his goodness and justice. The man who had killed the King’s son especially became convinced of the King’s love for his people. Though he had cost the King the most, he experienced the King’s acceptance and favor unlike any other in the kingdom. He who was the King’s sworn enemy became his friend and they shared a special bond because of the love the King had for not only this prisoner, but also the son he lost. And that prisoner, who fought the King, rebelled against his ways, and tormented his son was named Travis. And he spent the rest of his life gratefully accepting something he could never have earned.
Photo Credit: Sant Pere de Rodes by Rienante El Pintor de Fuego
Food For Thought: Summer’s Ending Edition
Every week here at Pursuing Glory I try to bring together the best posts I’ve found that will equip the end-times church to operate in her God-ordained destiny. These are the best blogs, articles, books and other resources related to our purpose here at this site. Feel free to visit, comment, and make use of the resources found at each site.
It’s painfully obvious that summer is almost over. Now we await the cold of Fall and Winter. The plus side is my office will become more usable and that may mean more time for blogging. I’ll keep my fingers crossed and let you know if that ever materializes.
Time for America to Turn Back to God
I was encouraged by this call to repentance from Bob Roberts Jr. It lacked the typical “time to take back America from the Godless” rhetoric, but still called America back to God in practical, essential ways.
God calls us to set up monuments to His work in our lives. In this post, Josh recounts the moments God has directed him in supernatural ways to work and live among the poor of the Earth.
One of the things that I’ve been hearing from the Lord is that our inability to work as a team is a hindrance to creating disciple making movements. Guy’s post is an excellent primer on what makes teams work.
It’s Not About Church Planting
I’m encouraged by the fact that more and more people are gaining this perspective. Church planting is fruitless unless it is the result of new converts coming to Jesus.
BONUS MEDIA LINK:
The Salvation Army – Lessons for Us
Lex Loizides, uber Christian historian from the New Frontiers tribe, made his conference session on the history of the Salvation Army available for download. The Salvation Army has an amazing history that should provoke us all to live a missional lifestyle and Lex’s retelling of their story is a great way to “touch the bones” of this movement.
Photo Credit: Design Probes – Food for Thought by centralasian.
Cluster Map
Pursuing Glory 