Soldier's Orders: Bad Seats

Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the respectful greetings in the marketplaces.

Luke 11:43 (NASB)

In the high-stakes drama of WW II, when my dad was a young fighter pilot, he had the world's finest and fiercest seat: a beautiful view in a brutal job.

In my lifetime role as a talent scout, I’ve flown a lot, too (as a passenger). Sometimes, I was “upgraded” to first class, which (I must confess) made me feel special:)

But where did Jesus, the King of kings, sit?

  • On a carpenter's bench?

  • The rear of the temple?

  • In a fisherman's boat?

  • At a sinner's table?

  • On the ground with his friends?

  • The back of a donkey?

When Jesus left the throne room of Heaven, He disregarded the throne rooms of Earth.

'I do not receive honor from men' (John 5:41). 'Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone' (John 6:15).

His advice? 'Take the lowest place' (Luke 14:10), because 'Many who are first will be last; and the last, first' (Matthew 19:30). 'The one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant' (Luke 22:26).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Be good soldiers. Follow orders. Give up glory. Take the long shot. Choose the low seat. Love the small part. Sing in the choir. Support the weak. Build up the stage. Clean up the mess. Sit down with kids. Humble yourself!

Because Jesus did. Because 'He who humbles himself will be exalted' (Matthew 23:12).

Soldier's Orders: Bad Seats (Part 30)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban