"Back Rows" by Pastor Kyle Lum

Scripture; Luke 14:11

"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Observation;

Jesus wanted to make a point as He must've noticed the people clamoring for a "top spot" at the banquet table.

I suppose it's a natural human inclination to want to be "front and center", and to have some sort of attention directed their way. Jesus tells them to humble themselves lest they be embarrassed that someone else may have more importance they they themselves. And by humbling ones self to the "back rows" where they wouldn't be near the focal point of attention, there may be the chance that they could be called up to the front , and be honored in the sight of, and in front of everyone!

But also, IT MAY NOT HAPPEN! You might just be left in the "back row", the sloppy second, the spare tire, the reserve team.

Jesus says it's okay! He doesn't want us to humble ourselves in order to try to gain exaltation, He wants us to humble ourselves to transform our hearts into what He did, He does, and always will do, as Paul explains in Philippians...

"...Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature, God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped...
...but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name..." Philippians 2:5b-9

He wants us to humble ourselves to become more like Him. Give of ourselves to that others may THRIVE. And you know what, we are indeed exalted... in the Kingdom of God! The applause there is roaring!

Application;

There are tons of ways to practice this, but for myself, a couple came to my mind and heart...

-- I don't have to be called a "pastor" in order to BE a pastor. My ministry license means no more than a sheet of paper and a card for my wallet. The ministry of Christ exists in my heart, works in my (little) brain, and is carried out by my hands, feet, and (when necessary), my mouth. Das it. I just gotta do what I do, and if people call me "pastor" or not, it's FINE! I've been asked why I don't want to be called a "pastor". I used to throw the "false humility" card down and say, "Oh, no, I'm NOT a pastor!" I'm over that now. I've wanted to shepherd people since the day I gave my life back to Jesus 16 years ago... I worked hard and also applied myself at our Bible College, and in practical ministry... this is merely another step as I travel along. I'm okay now.

-- I must give of myself, and as a representative of New Hope here on Molokai, give of resources, and gifts, and assistance, to the community of Molokai WITHOUT NEEDING ACCOLADES, ATTENTION, OR "A GOOD WORD" for New Hope, out there. I used to get a little irritated when we loan out ice coolers, ice, tables, chairs, tents, to organizations, and get nothing mentioned about New Hope when the "thank you" ads come out... even though just about EVERYONE ELSE gets recognized. I had to grow up and understand that we didn't give out these things FOR recognition... we gave them out because that's what JESUS asked me and us to do here. I'm pretty much over that too.

The back row, the reserve team, the pooper scoopers... it's not really that bad. Jesus spends a whole lot of time here. I feel it. And the time does come now and then when we get called to the foot of the table. But it won't be my goal.


Prayer:

LORD Jesus, thank You for your infinite wisdom. I pledge myself to the "back row", and be happy and free. And I do hear the heavenly applause, though it's not audible here. In Your Name I pray, Amen!