Today’s Reading

I Samuel 13-14; Luke 14:1-24

Selected Verses

But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you. 1 Samuel 13:14

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11

Reflections

Humility is a quality which God looks for in a person who is “after his own heart.” Saul was a negative example of this truth which Jesus emphasized in His teaching.

Saul had early success as king and military commander, but it did not last long. He knew he was supposed to wait for Samuel to meet him on the battlefield. Saul was not to offer sacrifices, a responsibility reserved for priests. He knew, but he rationalized that it was more important to take matters in his own hands and avert a loss in battle than to trust God to work despite the circumstances.

It cost Saul his kingdom to offer the sacrifices. His days were numbered and he would not have a son sitting on the throne. God had a man after His own heart who would sit on Saul’s throne. Saul lacked humility and trust in God and paid dearly for his arrogance. In a short while he had gone from a frightened, self-deprecating nobody to a proud, self-righteous tyrant. Promotion can be disastrous to one’s humility.

Jesus made a number of observations at the dinner he attended (Luke 14). These observations served to provide a context for His teaching. He saw the pride and jockeying of the guests for the best seats at the meal. The Lord told them to take the lowest seats to avoid possible embarrassment later on when more distinguished guests arrived. He also told them to apply humility in inviting guests, not seeking repayment for their invitation. They should be concerned about their standing at the resurrection of the just (v. 14). Here is the point. God invited people to His banquet and some rejected Him. The Lord then invites those who were sick or even non-Jews because God does not honor those who exalt themselves but those who humble themselves and have nothing to offer.

Think about it

If we would be godly, we must seek to grow in humility. Seek not the status and honors afforded by society, but instead seek to walk humbly before God and to be after His heart. Who’s on your guest list?

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission