“This is it”
Michael Jackson has obviously been in the news a lot lately, both for his untimely death and for his forthcoming movie/documentary called “This is it.” A never-before released song by the same name has been creating some new excitement. His music was fun and energetic, and much of it I still enjoy hearing today. However, I always felt sorry for him. I always felt that his influence was marred by the strange reclusive habits and lifestyle he put on display for the world. I felt that he set himself up for failure by the company he kept, the materialism he displayed, and addictions he hid from the world. I was not surprised when a radio announcer broke in to the station I was listening to and shared the news of his death with the world.
This time it was the Lord who finally said “This is it”. Michael Jackson then stood before the Lord and ultimately faced his final destination.
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-13.
One of the most impacting verses in this passage is v.8. Read it again. When we choose to live a life contrary to the Bible, we are not rejecting man, but God. Sometimes our mind tells us that when we sin, it only involves us. We tell ourselves “my bad” and go about our daily life. However, sin is more serious than that. Clearly, this passage tells us that our sin is a direct rejection of God’s teachings. In this passage, there are two specific things Paul is reminding the Thessalonians about: sexual immorality (v.3-5) and showing love to others (v.6 and v.10). Take a few moments and meditate on how you are doing in those areas. Take time this morning to look at your life and let the Holy Spirit show you the areas you need to “clean house” in. (Use Psalm 139:23-24 as a guide.)
Concluding Thought…….
Today’s Thessalonians passage ends with what Paul sees as a goal of our strivings for a pure and holy life: It impacts our witness, and ultimately our legacy. Why then should we work so hard to be pure? Verse 12, in the NIV says “so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.”
As a musician, I respect Michael Jackson. He really shaped pop music in ways that few others did. As a person though, Michael Jackson never earned my respect. His life outside of the spotlight was self-serving and plagued with bad choices. In the song “This is it” I mentioned earlier,
People are watching you. What are they seeing? Are you winning the respect of others?
“Branches and Pedals”
This morning, let’s begin by reading John 15:1-8 in your copy of God’s Word.
The piano is one of the most timeless and beautiful instruments that God has given us to express our praises to Him. Bartolomeo Cristofori, a harpsichord maker for a prince, came up with the idea of a keyboard instrument that could play both soft and loud sounds. As the piano was developed, pedals were added to give players ways to change and enhance the tone and volume of the instrument. Most modern pianos have three pedals:
The soft pedal: While playing the piano, pressing this left pedal will make the volume and tone seem quieter or “softer”.
The sustaining pedal: The right-most and most frequently used of the three, it has been called the “soul of the piano” and is used to allow the sound of a played note to continue even after the pianist has released the key. It causes all of the notes played to blend together.
The sostenuto pedal: pressing this middle pedal causes some sounds to be held while others continue to play normally.
Over the years, the sostenuto pedal became somewhat of a useless pedal. Less and less composers would write music that would be fit for its use. There seemed to be less need for the muffled, but unique sound this middle pedal provided. Many piano manufacturers, not to mention digital pianos and keyboards, would eliminate this pedal altogether, or replace it with another function. Like the fruitless branches in our passage for the day, it has ceased to be useful for its original purpose.
This morning, as you prepare to worship the Lord with your minds, voices, and bodies, I would like you to imagine God’s kingdom as if it were a beautiful black shiny grand piano. The master musician sets down to play a beautiful concerto. If you were a pedal on that piano, what would your function be?
Are you like the soft pedal? You may be quietly loyal and obedient to the music the Master plays, but never seek to make a “big splash” for Him either. You prefer to keep things quiet. If so, perhaps it’s time for you to step up and be bolder in your faith.
Are you like the sustain pedal? You’re all about making the music big, grand, and long-lasting as possible. You can be loud and “muddy-up” the sound sometimes, but most of the time you make beautiful music. I like to think the apostle Peter would be this type of pedal. Maybe it’s time to fully yield to the Master’s control.
Or, are you like the sostenuto pedal? You aren’t really doing anything for the instrument except taking up space. You can’t decide what notes should be held and which ones should not be, so you’d prefer not to be used at all. Do this though and they may just decide to take you off the instrument altogether.
What is your desire this morning about the music you make for your master? I’m not talking about the worship songs Randy and Kindred Spirit will lead in. I’m talking about your ultimate instrument – your life. If you are truly hungering and thirsting for God, wouldn’t that be reflected in the “fruits” you bear for Him, the “music” you make for Him? God’s Word in the passage today clearly reminds us how we can stay “in tune” with the master: REMAIN IN HIM. Meditate on that command this morning.
Perhaps you’re having a tough time in a family relationship…REMAIN IN HIM
Perhaps you’re looking at college or your life past graduation…REMAIN IN HIM
Perhaps friends are tempting you with destructive habits …REMAIN IN HIM
