Daily Walk Through the New Testament

July 18

Read Luke 13:22-14:14

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are beyond ours (Isaiah 55:8). This means that we may think we understand how life works, but we get it backward. In no area is this more true than our quest for personal importance. It’s part of human nature to try to impress others to gain approval, status, and favor. Unfortunately, these attempts often result in embarrassing mistakes, as with the Pharisee’s houseguests who sat in the best seats (Luke 14:7-14). What Jesus wants us to grasp is that this is more than just human clumsiness. God actually sabotages our prideful grabs for the spotlight. He loves us too much to let us be unlike Jesus. When we put Him and others first, He loves to give us surprising favor. How can you make serving God and others a priority today?