"Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence" (Prov.25:6-14).

Rather, take the lowest position at the table. Humble yourself before Him.

For your place is not for you to take but for Him to give. Conduct yourself

with all lowliness and gentleness, bearing with one another in love (Eph.

4:1-6), that the King may give you glory in the presence of those at the

table with you.

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and

he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:1-11). Is this not the

way of Christ? He is the one who took the lowest place, who humbled

Himself even to the point of death for us. He is now exalted to the highest

place at the right hand of the Father that penitent believers may be exalted

together with Him in the resurrection. To the humble at His Supper He

says,

"Friend, move up higher,"

giving you His very body and blood for

your forgiveness that you may ascend to take part in the great wedding feast which has no end.

LCMS Lectionary