DCLM Higher Everyday 2 September 2023 — The Way Up Is Down
DCLM Higher Everyday 2 September 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — The Way Up Is Down
Topic: The Way Up Is Down
Text: Luke 14:7-11
8When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
9And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Key Verse: “For whosoever exalted himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
Message
Though the world celebrates self-exaltation, in the kingdom of Christ the way up is down. To be the greatest you must become the least, and to be a leader you must serve. In today’s text, Christ taught His audience a classic lesson on humility. Having observed their haughty attitude in choosing seats at the gathering, he denounced their pride and told them to always choose lower seats when on an invitation to ceremonies to avoid humiliation when more honourable guests come in.
Christ remains our all-time perfect model on practical demonstration of humility. On the night of the betrayal, while at supper with His disciples He removed his garment, poured water into a basin and washed the feet of His disciples. He was their Lord and Master, yet He did that to show them the need for humility in their interpersonal relationship. As Christians, we must be willing to serve others instead of expecting others to serve us. Our successes or accomplishments are by God’s grace. Never look down on others who may be less privileged.
Quote: To be a leader you must serve
Challenge: Christ washed the feet of His disciples.
Prayer for today: Help me Lord to wash the feet of saints.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
