It had to be frustrating. No matter what Jesus said or did, Israel's leaders just wouldn't listen. Some said He was demon possessed. Others said He was a sinner. But, regarding one thing they all were sure; Jesus wasn't who He said He was.

It's that way today. The only difference is, instead of it being Israel's political/religious leaders, this time it's the world's political/religious leaders. You see, Israel had their prophets to warn them about God's coming judgment (Ezekiel 2:1-10, 3:1-4). In the same way, today, the world has us Christians to warn them about God's coming judgment (Revelation 10:1-11).

Something Jesus said has always managed to defy my understanding. This morning I may have finally gotten it. In the book of Matthew Jesus says:

But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places, who call out to the other children, and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon!' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds (Matthew 11:16-19 New American Standard Bible).

I believe what Jesus was saying is, no matter what approach that God used, Israel's political/religious leaders still found fault and wouldn't listen. And, He compared them to children who preferred living in their make-believe world than to learning the truth.  

Isn't it still that way today? Friends, when we seek to become relevant to this adulterous and wicked generation, we become irrelevant in the hand of God. While we are busy having our imaginary tea parties, the real world is swiftly sliding toward judgment and Armageddon. 

Here's what I'm saying: No matter how we Christians interpret the prophetic Scriptures, on this one thing we should all agree -- God's judgment is soon coming. And, if God didn't withhold His rod from His own people Israel, He won't withhold it from us.

The time for games is over.