Through the valleys to the heights
‘Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that your host will come to you and say, “Come on up, my friend, to a better place.” This will bring you honour in the presence of all the other guests.’ (verse 10)
Read Luke 14:1, 7-11
My brother is a mountaineer who has climbed on five continents. During many a slide show he has shared his adventures. I have always been impressed, above all, with his willpower that was always tested to its limit during these trips. Often he trekked for days—valley after valley of unglamorous slog—en route to the main peak. But the ecstasy and euphoria he enjoyed upon reaching each summit outshone the comparative drudgery of the valleys.
Jesus calls you to the highest of places—his heavenly banquet. The route he leads you on will take you through difficult and often dark valleys. But he knows the journey well. He has been there before and promises to remain with you the whole way. It is always his Father’s willpower that will see you through these valleys. It is his voice which will invite you to ‘move up higher’ when he appears again on that great and final Day.
Lord Jesus, my guide and stay, be with me through the valleys of humiliation, grief, depression, guilt and despondency and save me. Lead me on to your kingdom of everlasting honour, joy and rest. Amen.
by Simon Cooper, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)
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