Solomon wrote, “There is a time to mourn and a time to dance…” Jesus said, “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’”
A spirit of religion can make us miss the moment. What if God wants me to hear a convicting message, but He chooses a messenger that does not fit my standards? “He’s too young; she’s too old; his hair is too long; her dress is too casual; his tattoo is too visible”… and while I examine all things exterior, I miss God’s message. Jesus was judged for hanging out with those many categorized as unworthy. “This guy can’t be from God… look at his friends!” But Jesus plainly told his critics that they were missing everything his Father was offering.
“God invited you to join in the proper activity at the proper time, but you refused to participate. John came saying, ‘Repent the Kingdom of God is near! Mourn for your sins, turn from what is wrong, prepare your hearts and be baptized,’ but you called him crazy and rejected his message. Then the Son of Man came saying, ‘The Kingdom of God is upon you! Hear the Good News! If you invite Me in, I’ll come eat with you. I offer everyone true Life!!’ but you called him a drunkard, a glutton, and the friend of sinners. You’re going to miss the wedding if you don’t wake up and recognize God’s wisdom. If you want to judge something, look at the fruit!” (see Matthew 11:16-19)
The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin. “Come Holy Spirit… do your work and prepare all hearts to hear the invitation.” Jesus says, “Come dance with Me! I will take you to my Father! We’re preparing a wedding feast and the celebration is about to begin. The world’s dance sucks the life out of you. What lasting good news does the world offer? But I am a breath of fresh air! I am the Author of true Life and you have a purpose… a purpose that is eternal. The people that misrepresent Me don’t know Me… but I will teach you who I am. I am humble and gentle; my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Come as you are, believe in Me, and I will clothe you in righteousness and make you part of my Bride.”
Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit and lit into Jesus’ followers. “What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?” Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” A little later John’s followers approached, asking, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees rigorously discipline body and spirit by fasting, but your followers don’t?” Jesus told them, “When you’re celebrating a wedding, you don’t skimp on cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now. No one throws cold water on a bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!” (Matt 9:10-15 – the Message)