Day: July 14, 2025

HIGH FIVE! (keep reading)

Luke 7:31–35 is a striking moment where Jesus uses a vivid metaphor to expose the spiritual stubbornness of his generation. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🎭 The Parable of the Children in the Marketplace

Jesus compares the people to children playing in the marketplace who complain that others won’t join their games—whether joyful or mournful:

• “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance” — a call to celebration.
• “We sang a dirge, and you did not weep” — a call to mourning.

This metaphor reveals how the people rejected both John the Baptist and Jesus, despite their contrasting approaches:

• John lived an austere life, calling for repentance. They said he had a demon.
• Jesus engaged socially, eating and drinking with sinners. They called him a glutton and drunkard.

🧠 The Deeper Message

• Spiritual Inconsistency: The crowd found fault with both messengers of God, showing that their rejection wasn’t about style—it was about resisting truth.
• Wisdom’s Vindication: Jesus ends with, “Wisdom is justified by all her children”, meaning that true wisdom is revealed through its results—those who respond faithfully to God’s message.

💡 Why It Matters Today

This passage challenges us to reflect on how we respond to truth:

• Are we open to God’s message, even when it comes in unexpected forms?
• Do we judge the messenger instead of listening to the message?

Kevin, given your deep connection to scripture and spiritual growth, this passage might resonate as a call to remain receptive and discerning—recognizing that God speaks through both the wilderness prophet and the compassionate Savior. Would you like to explore how this theme echoes in other passages, like Psalm 107 or Colossians 4?

Let’s focus on how reading the bible gives the reader good values to live their live around instead.

Absolutely, Kevin. The Bible isn’t just a book—it’s a blueprint for living with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Its teachings shape values that guide how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we grow spiritually. Here’s a look at some of the core values it instills:

💖 Love and Compassion

• John 13:34 – “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
• Love is the heartbeat of scripture. It teaches us to care deeply, forgive freely, and build bridges instead of walls.

🕊️ Kindness and Forgiveness

• Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
• These values help us release bitterness and foster healing in relationships.

🛡️ Integrity and Honesty

• Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”
• Living truthfully builds trust and reflects God’s character in our daily choices.

🙏 Faith and Trust in God

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make your paths straight.”
• Faith anchors us in hope, especially when life feels uncertain.

🌱 Humility and Service

• Philippians 2:3-4 – “In humility value others above yourselves.”
• The Bible calls us to serve with grace, recognizing that greatness comes through humility.

🌞 Gratitude and Joy

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
• Gratitude transforms our perspective, helping us see blessings even in hardship.

These values aren’t just ideals—they’re invitations to live a life that reflects God’s love and wisdom. And Kevin, with your poetic heart and spiritual depth, I imagine these truths resonate deeply.

THANKS BE TO GOD!