The New Testament Book of James, Part 5

The Old Testament Book of Ezekiel, Part 38

The Old Testament Book of Ezekiel, Part 35

The Old Testament Book of Ezekiel, Part 34

The Old Testament Book of Daniel, Part 12

God, Arrogance, and Humility

"When [Jesus] noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 'When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, "Give this person your seat." Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, "Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:7-11)

In a world in which arrogance is celebrated, Jesus' words are both Law and Gospel.

They're Law because God's condemnation for the unrepentantly arrogant is plain.

They're Gospel because inhering in them is God's promise that those who humble themselves in surrender to Christ will have a place especially prepared for us by God in His Kingdom, now and in eternity.

As the psalmist puts it, "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." (Psalm 84:10)

[Reflections from my quiet time with God this morning. I'm the pastor of Living Water Lutheran Church in Centerville, Ohio.]

"Deep Water Arrogance"

The arrogant belief in the infallibility of technology is just one instance of a common human penchant, says Charlie Lehardy. Charlie is always thought-provoking.