The Place!

As Jesus’ earthly ministry progressed there were many even among the rulers of the people who believed in Him, but they would not confess that belief openly for fear of the Pharisees putting them out of the synagogue. ( John 12:42) The did not want to LOSE THEIR PLACE. Following the raising of Lazarus from the dead we read of many who began to believe in Jesus. ( John 11:45) This caused the Jewish leaders to fear that if things continued in that direction, the Romans would come in and “take away both our place and our nation.” ( John 11:48 ESV) They did not want to LOSE THEIR PLACE.

The thing each of these groups needed to acknowledge was that in failing to accept Jesus fully they were already LOSING THE PLACE that would have brought them blessing. They needed to LOSE THEIR PLACE in order to occupy the place God had in mind.

There are places we should not want to occupy. The rich man was in a place to which he did not want to see his brothers come. ( Luke 16:27-28) There are also rightful places that can be lost. Jude referred to angels who having “left their proper dwelling” -- not staying within their own position -- were being held for judgment. ( Jude 6) They LOST THEIR PLACE that should have been retained.

We need to live with an awareness not of choosing of our own place, but of accepting the place God desires to place us. It is in arrogance some have chosen their own place, thus placing themselves in a position to lose out on the blessing God desires to bring. As Jesus noted the attitude of some who loved the place of notoriety, He told a parable.

We read…
“(7) Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when HE NOTICED HOW THEY CHOSE THE PLACES OF HONOR, saying to them, (8) ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, (9) and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. (10) But when you are invited, go and SIT IN THE LOWEST PLACE, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘FRIEND, MOVE UP HIGHER.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. (11) For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and HE WHO HUMBLES HIMSELF WILL BE EXALTED.’” ( Luke 14:7-11 ESV)

Let us guard against assuming the place we want, but in humility surrender self to God so that He can move us into the place He desires. It is not self-exaltation, but God exaltation we should seek to receive. God knows best the timing and manner in which to establish us where He wants us. The place we need to seek is where God desires to use us for His purposes. May we not allow our own intent and purposes to get in the way so as to LOSE THE PLACE He desires for us. Let us understand what it means to LOSE SELF so that God can do the exalting to the HIGHEST PLACE in Christ! ( Ephesians 2:6)

Have a great day ENJOYING OUR RIGHTFUL PLACE WITH JESUS!
Carl

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