A Message for Fault-Finders

"I sent people to you in many ways:  some played a happy dance and some lamented and mourned over the condition of your hearts.  I even came and ate with you, while others I sent fasted – giving up eating on your behalf.  Yet you were happy with none of these approaches.  I tried to reach you in your every mood and attitude of heart with the message of salvation, but you would have none of it!" (Matt 11 paraphrased)

These were the words of Jesus to the crowds who gathered around Him after he heard the news of John the Baptist’s death.  He’d given the people every possible way to come to him, including John’s unconventional appearance and message, but what He got back were complaints about His approach.  “If you were really Godly you wouldn’t have so much joy, you’d be more solemn and reverent.”  “God would never send someone who cries over Jerusalem, look at this great city – you should be leaping for joy.”

DISSATISFACTION  and FAULT FINDING– this is what Jesus was talking about.  He had sent messengers and He himself had come to them – but they found fault with each one.  In the end, Jesus was proved right by His methods.  He was proved right by His approach and by dying the death of a thief on the cross.  In the end He said “if you are not offended by Me, by what I do and say, then you will be blessed” (Matt 11 paraphrased).

What people wanted was for Jesus to do things their way – but His ways are not our ways.  They set themselves up as judge over Jesus Christ and His followers.  They judged Jesus through their lack of understanding of God. They set themselves as the plumb line for right and wrong, the compass for the way God should move – and they weren’t afraid to criticize the works of the God of the Universe!

If you have a fault-finding spirit get rid of it today! Bless the people of God and stop criticizing.  Do unto others in love......and let God do the rest.