October 30 Satisfied?

Luke 7:31-35 “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”’ 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
 
AS Jesus has just affirmed John the Baptist and those who believed in John’s message, he then spoke against those authorities who have rejected both John and himself. To make his point, he uses a children’s game common to that time.
   When children gathered in the markets, they would entertain themselves with a game of attending a funeral or a wedding. They played the flute or “dance music” for the wedding games. And they sang dirges for the funeral game. Those playing would invite others to join them. But some children did not play along. The children in the games were unhappy that some stood on the sidelines simply watching. In response to the bystanders, they in essence said, “Happy songs or sad, you won’t join us. We can’t please you.”
   Jesus says this is how he and John have been received by the Pharisees. John lived in the desert with just enough to survive. In response to John’s lifestyle, the authorities criticized him as being demon possessed. On the other hand, Jesus lived a normal physical life common to that culture. Yet, the authorities criticized him as a glutton! There was no pleasing those who simply “stood on the side” refusing to participate in Jesus’ and John’s ministries. Their critical minds remained closed to God’s salvation message.
   One result of sin is that we are seldom satisfied. The Bible says it this way in Proverbs 27:20 Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man. Even if we proclaim, “I’m a Christian. I’m saved.” we too often speak of disappointments and things we do not have. We are too eager to criticize family, friends, the church, our jobs and our government. Seldom it seems we are prepared to say, “I’d like to join with you.”  
   Is this you? I know that much too often it is I. Let’s be aware of our attitudes and our words. Remember Jesus’ words from his “sermon on a level place” in Luke 6:21 “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Satisfaction comes in knowing the Lord of Life has filled you forever. Stop and consider this: What on earth can matter when we know we matter to the Lord?
  
Prayer: Father God, put my mind, heart and soul on words of blessing. In Jesus’ name, amen.