It isn’t often one has the opportunity to so vividly demonstrate one of Jesus’ parables. I had that opportunity and it was an awesome experience. The parable is the one about the wedding invitation.
“When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place…” (Luke 14:8). “But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.’ (Luke 14:10)
The occasion was the 80th birthday party for my childhood best friend. We were next door neighbors, attended the same schools, both involved in music (she sang, I played the piano) and shared many activities. Months earlier one of her daughters invited me to be on the program as one of the speakers at the party-share anecdotes from growing up days and what our friendship meant. I gladly accepted, and my husband and I attended the celebration. She has a large family of siblings, children, in laws, grandchildren, members of church, nursing career associates and other friends. She is a well loved Christian lady, noted for her civic, family and spiritual life involvement. It was a community wide celebration. So there were a lot of people in attendance.
The hall was grand with cut flowers and festive tableware decorating the oval tables. On one side of the room a screen flashed pictures of activities of my friend’s life. Soft music played. At the front, there was a head table for her and other designated people. There was a definite air of festive celebration.
We came in and sat down at one of the tables at the back, close to the door in which she would come in. We didn’t go further into the room because I wanted to take pictures of her entrance. There was, of course, an official photographer, but I wanted my own photographic record of the event. My friend came in, escorted by one of her siblings. Cheers went up. I got my picture. She was led to the head table.
Her minister son, as master of ceremonies, got the celebration under way with greetings, introductions and other verbal pleasantries. It was during that time, that the daughter who had contacted me, came over to us, smiled and said, “You’re to be seated at the head table. Come with me.” From our place in the back she led us up tp the head table to sit right next to the honoree. My friend turned, smiled at us and hugged me.
It was not until days later that the connection to the parable was revealed to me. Like in the parable, we had sat down “in the lowest place” (the back of the room) and we were invited to “go up higher” (the head table). Then you will have glory in the presence of those whom sit at the table with you.” (smile and hug from my friend).
When it came time for remarks, I gave them with a joyous heart and had a wonderful responsive audience. (“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”) (Luke 14:11) Although one would have to tweak the details a little (a birthday celebration instead of a wedding; and I did not consider myself as worthy of being called exalted) the similarity was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, the memory of which will stay with me.