BUT...take the lower place (Luke 14:7-11)

So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 

BUT... when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:7-11 NKJV)

I have always loved this verse. There is something about being willing to take a lower position and then being raised up then to think you are all that and find yourself being cut down.  This reminds me of my daughter's celebration of life service. The church was packed and to me everyone was valuable BUT as I  went around greeting people during the worship time I saw a friend that had loved and accepted Crystal. I took her by the hand and led  her to stand by me. This is where she belonged. As we were exiting I saw Crystal 's Neurologist standing in the very last row. BUT God knew she needed to be the first in line to greet us , it was such an honor that she took the time to come .  She didn't think because she was a doctor she should be seated in the best place BUT she humbly accepted any place.