Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article All things considered Friday, December 10, 2010 Matthew 11:16-17 Jesus said to the crowds, "To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, "We played the flute for you, but you did not dance; we sang a dirge but you did not mourn." Jesus calls out the Jews of city after city: "Open your eyes. Believe that God has come to earth. God is in charge, and you are not. Let go of how you thought it would be, and watch how it is." Jesus realizes the Pharisees aren't appreciating his efforts. They don't get it. They put John in prison, they turn away from Jesus toward their understanding of the law. The kingdom of heaven just doesn't interest them, because Jesus doesn't dance to their tune. Margaret and I are pretty good at arranging nice moments for each other, sometimes with food, sometimes with music, sometimes with the lights down low. And we usually appreciate each other's efforts with words or smiles or something. What's wrong with Jesus? Why isn't he more polite? What is he driving at that's so important? Those are some pretty good questions. Just as good now as they were then. Asking them is really the only way I know to finally begin hearing the music of heaven, soft and perfect and clear, over the din and dunge of all those off-tune flutes. Your music changes things, Jesus. You set up such sweet harmonies. Keep our ears open so we know when to come in singing. And set our feet to dancing. "; Add      Edit    Delete