And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
The piping called for dancing and the mourning called for lamenting, like children demanding that others join whatever game they choose. In its original setting the saying exposes the Jewish rulers refusing a right response to both John's call to repentance and Christ's ministry. They rejected John for his severe manner and condemned Jesus for eating with sinners.
Their accusations revealed prejudice and an improper use of speech, not any fault in John or in Christ. The verse is a pointed rebuke to people given great light, precious opportunities, wonderful privileges and knowledge from God, whose spiritual growth and advancement do not match those blessings. It applies when they will not respond to God's appeals and will not take right positions.
When applied with power by the Spirit it strikes the heart, breaks stubborn resistance, and brings straightforward confession of wrongs. It brings falling on the Rock and being broken, reconciliation with those wronged, and asking and giving forgiveness. The sound must give a clear distinction, or no one can tell what was piped or harped.
That unclear piping marked the fanatical meetings after the 1844 disappointment, with excitement and noise and confusion. Some fell to the floor as in vision and others jumped, danced and shouted while declaring their flesh purified and ready for translation. Such work brought reproach on the cause of God.
The piping called for dancing and the mourning called for lamenting, like children demanding that others join whatever game they choose. In its original setting the saying exposes the Jewish rulers refusing a right response to both John's call to repentance and Christ's ministry. They rejected John for his severe manner and condemned Jesus for eating with sinners.
Their accusations revealed prejudice and an improper use of speech, not any fault in John or in Christ. The verse is a pointed rebuke to people given great light, precious opportunities, wonderful privileges and knowledge from God, whose spiritual growth and advancement do not match those blessings. It applies when they will not respond to God's appeals and will not take right positions.
When applied with power by the Spirit it strikes the heart, breaks stubborn resistance, and brings straightforward confession of wrongs. It brings falling on the Rock and being broken, reconciliation with those wronged, and asking and giving forgiveness. The sound must give a clear distinction, or no one can tell what was piped or harped.
That unclear piping marked the fanatical meetings after the 1844 disappointment, with excitement and noise and confusion. Some fell to the floor as in vision and others jumped, danced and shouted while declaring their flesh purified and ready for translation. Such work brought reproach on the cause of God.