Do You Hear It?

I will sing of the tender mercies of the LORD forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

Psalms 89:1-2 (NLT)

Last night Bunny and I attended a concert of our local High School chorus. Two of the singers were New Hope's own - Brittany Edwards and Kristin Morton, so we were eager to see the performance, which is an annual event.

The arts center, an imposing facility, was packed. Announcements were made about the night's program and both verbally and through an insert in the program, we were instructed on how to behave. We thought it a little odd to read such explicit information and laughed about how rigid they were.

Once the performance began, the lights were dimmed and we looked forward to an empty stage. The choir risers were empty, and the grand piano sat alone. I watched as a boy of perhaps 7 in front of us squirmed excitedly, then as he realized no one was coming out on stage, he slumped in his seat.

High above in the balcony, each member of the chorus ringed the edges. In the darkness, they each lit individual battery operated candles. The effect was striking, and the child was turning in his seat and pointing out to his mother what he saw. The concert began, and he turned and sat facing forward.

As the concert continued through several classical pieces, the effect of the music and the darkness had different effects on people. Some seemed to really enjoy simply hearing the music without any distractions. Others found that the combination of soothing music and darkness was ideal for a nap.

Our young neighbor though, found the music.

Looking up, he saw the conductor, who stood out against the darkness as he stood behind the lecturn, illuminated for his use. His eyes lit up, and then his hands rose skyward. Tenatively at first, he tried to follow the conductors movements. And as he did, his gestures became more fluid, more delicate - he was hearing the music as if for the first time. It was glorious to watch.

Friends, I thought about you for the next few moments.

My role as pastor means that I'm involved in shaping for a congregation, and to a certain extant through my devotionals for you, an understanding of the miracle of God's "music" of love for you. My passion in that role causes me at times to anguish over how many are surrounded by that "music" and just don't hear it. Some, like my friends at the concert, simply see grace as a reason to relax and enjoy life, never giving a thought to the Giver. Others hear the "music" but never respond by sharing it with others.

But every now and then, the "music" breaks through to ears ready to hear it- breaks through to the heart.

Once it does, you are changed.

My prayer for you is always this - that you come to know just how deeply loved you are.

Yes, people can get in the way of the "music". Even in the child's case that inspired this devotional, when he pointed out to his Mom what he heard, and showed her his response, she stopped him from expressing his joy. I pray he'll try again.

Just as I pray you'll try again.

The miracle didn't stop with Christmas. Do you hear it?

Grace!

David

This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.