Generosity

by Greg Fowler

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For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11).

Read Luke 14:7–14

I can’t help but feel this parable is more relevant today than ever. Jesus identifies a familiar human tendency at a Pharisee’s dinner party: people jockeying for the places of honour. Is this all that different to judging each other by how many social media views we get? In a culture deeply obsessed with status, reputation and public recognition, securing the best seat was a primary way to validate one’s self-worth. Jesus, however, interrupts this social climbing with a radical, counter-cultural invitation.

He advises his listeners to intentionally choose the lowest place. This is not a manipulative, reverse-psychology strategy to get promoted, but a profound reflection of a genuinely humble heart. Jesus reveals the divine economy of honour: ‘For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

The world’s ladder to success is built on self-promotion, networking and demanding recognition. But in the kingdom of God, the pathway to true honour is paved with humility. When we stop fighting for the spotlight and willingly serve, we align ourselves with the heart of Christ, who ‘made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant’ (Philippians 2:7). God is the ultimate host, and he reserves the highest places of honour for those who do not demand them.

Today, we face countless subtle opportunities to ‘exalt ourselves’. It happens when we fish for compliments, take undue credit for a team’s success at work or curate a flawless, exaggerated image of our lives on social media. It happens when we feel bitter because our actions go unnoticed.

Jesus tells us to fear not. Simply serve where there is need. Our God sees us and will elevate us at the time that is right for the kingdom. Praise God for his wisdom and timing.

Lord Jesus, you are the ultimate example of humility, leaving heaven’s glory to serve us. Forgive my constant striving for human recognition and my fear of being overlooked. Give me the grace to serve joyfully, trusting that you see me, you value me, and in your perfect timing, you will lift me up. Amen.

Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.

Gentle power

by Greg Fowler

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Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey’ (Matthew 21:5).

Read Matthew 21:1–9

Just a few days before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus orchestrates a deliberate, prophetic entrance into Jerusalem. The crowds, buzzing with Messianic expectation, anticipated a political liberator riding a mighty warhorse to violently overthrow Roman rule. Instead, Jesus arrives riding a lowly donkey and a colt, perfectly fulfilling Zechariah’s ancient prophecy of a gentle, peace-bringing king. This was not a display of earthly, coercive power, but a profound, countercultural revelation of divine humility and grace.

The crowd’s response to this humble king was immediate and extravagant. They cut branches from the trees, spread their own cloaks on the dusty road and shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ In first-century culture, laying down a cloak was an act of deep reverence and total submission. It was the ultimate way to honour a king, essentially rolling out a red carpet of personal sacrifice and vulnerability. They were publicly acknowledging his absolute lordship over their lives and their city.

Yet, how is our welcome? Do we want his blessings without his lordship? A true relationship with Jesus requires us to do what that ancient crowd did: lay down our ‘cloaks’. This means surrendering our pride, our ill-founded self-belief, our carefully guarded future plans and our obsession with how others see us at the feet of the humble king.

What ‘cloak’ are we holding onto too tightly? Is it our career trajectory, a strained family relationship, our financial security or a hidden habit? A deep grace-filled relationship with Jesus is not merely shouting, ‘Hosanna’; it is the daily, practical and sometimes painful act of laying down our personal rights and preferences to make way for Jesus. Martin Luther called this daily returning to our baptism. It starts with God’s adoption, and we return to his gentle, restorative grace.

Jesus, you came not to be served, but to serve, riding in humility to secure our salvation. Forgive me for the times I have tried to dictate the terms of your rule in my life. Today, I return to my baptism. I acknowledge your grace, which gives me forgiveness, identity and life. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.

Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.

Jesus as judge

by Greg Fowler

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent (Matthew 11:20).

Read Matthew 11:20–24

What an uncomfortable text. Jesus delivers a sobering warning to the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. These were the very places where he performed most of his miracles, yet he pronounces woe upon them because they did not repent. Scripture is consistent in its witness; Jesus is our Lord who rules with grace. He is also the judge. While faith in Christ gives us security, Jesus as judge doesn’t sit well with us.

This passage highlights a profound spiritual truth: privilege brings responsibility. These towns had front-row seats to the kingdom of God, but familiarity bred complacency. They enjoyed the multiplied bread, the physical healing and the spectacle, but they refused the transformation of their hearts. They mistook God’s patience for permission to remain unchanged. They refused the invitation of grace offered by God in their midst.

Let’s not get too self-righteous. We may not have walked the dusty roads of Galilee; however, we possess the complete Word of God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the real presence of Jesus in the sacrament and a lifetime of answered prayers. We, too, can take God for granted. We can grow spiritually numb, treating God’s daily mercies as entitlements.

How are our hearts? Are we taking God’s blessings for granted? We dare not let familiarity with God’s presence and blessing harden our hearts. The overwhelming grace offered to us by our loving God is the start of a renewed life. The joy of unconditional love is reason for praise and witness. May we live in your will.

Lord, forgive me for the times I have taken your grace for granted. Soften my heart. Keep me from spiritual complacency, and help me to respond to your daily mercies with repentance and deep, abiding gratitude. Amen.

Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.