"BE THE MUSIC!"

According to an article in Turning Point Daily Devotional, "Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn't able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument.

"But to his great dismay, it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession, and he would not sell it.

"Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. 'Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?' he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector's emotions were deeply stirred. 'I have no right to keep that to myself,' he exclaimed. 'It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it.(1)

This is similar to the instructions of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who tells us to go forth and let our lights shine forth so that the world may know. We are to let our light shine to the entire world. We do have a tremendous story to tell as we share God’s awesome love for us, His amazing grace, and His tremendous forgiveness.

"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  (Matthew 5:15-16)

"We have a message to share. Our heavenly Father created us as exquisite instruments, and the beautiful music we are to make is the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We were made to be played."
Let us go forth into the world and let our lights shine as we share God’s love with all we meet, that they too may come to know the sweet, sweet music of our Almighty God.

(1). Turning Point Daily Devotional (7-26-06). Cited on Preaching Now http://www.preaching.com

In Christ’s Service,
Rev. Joe Wingfield