Rick Castleman
Creative Arts Minister for the Lexington Church
of Christ
Just My Thoughts . . .
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9-15-2009
"Tuning"
I went to the symphony last Saturday night. It was really great. It has been almost 15 years since I have been to a live symphonic performance so I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was asked by our friends who went with us, what my favorite part of going to the symphony is. Without hesitation I said, "the tuning". They laughed and thought I was making a joke, but I was not - it is my favorite part. There is a certain chaos and melody in the part where everyone is tuning their own instrument first to the principal oboe and then to the concertmaster's violin. Timpani, Tuba, Cello, Piccolo, French Horn, Contrabassoon, Double Bass, Trumpet, Viola, Violin, Trombone, Snare Drum, Clarinet, and even the Triangle. Everyone must tune. The Maestro is coming out at any moment and everyone must be ready, because when He comes, the music will begin and all who play want to be a part of it.
What does the chaos of tuning have to do with anything? Why even bring it up?
Because I liken tuning to our prayers. At any given moment in time, billions of prayers are being ushered into the heavenly throne room of God. Everyone is trying to tune. There is a noise, a chaos, even melodies and harmonies, but only one can make sense of it all. The conductor and maestro. As the principal instrument (Jesus) gives us the initial tuning pitch, and then the concertmaster (the Holy Spirit) gives the definitive and reoccurring tuning pitch, the conductor (God) is making His way to the stage, preparing to tap the baton on the music stand, then pause in silence while everyone gets ready for the first note. Have you worshipped today? Have you tuned?
If not, it will be particularly difficult for you to play in the piece God has selected for us all.
Heavens symphony plays daily - how often do you tune?
Tune right now and then let the audience around you hear your beautiful music.
Just play in such a way that the conductor can direct your song so at the end, they will applaud Him.
Just my thoughts.
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9-10-2009
"Everyone"
Worship. It is a constant and necessary thing for us as humans. To connect to the one who designed and fashioned us in our mother's womb, is a basic need we all have. We need to connect every day. In a word - worship.
We had a discussion a few wednesday nights ago where I brought up "the need for everyone". Everyone is needed to bring what they have so that whatever the Lord asks us to do can be accomplished. If you are confused about where I am coming from, go read exodus 35 in its entirety, then come back.
Don't worry I will wait for you.
Okay. Our discussion got a little too focussed on the "skilled" laborers who led and directed the work, but the point I want to focus on is that it took everyone who "were stirred in their hearts" to make it all happen (see verse 21). The skilled laborers could have just shown up without everyone else, but it would have been a short meeting. In this passage (and in many others), it took everyone coming together bringing their gifts to accomplish what God asked. It is the same with us.
God is asking us to do things we ourselves could never do. The gifts that you all have to bring cannot be brought for you. You must bring them. However, you must worship first, so that God will have a chance to stir your heart and move your spirit.
Everyone. Worship.
Just my thoughts.
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