I was in the Band in my younger days. I played fourth part french horn. It isn’t a glorious part, on the whole. Most often, it doesn’t even resemble the music played by the first, second, and third part horns. It’s almost as if the composer didn’t quite know what to do with a fourth horn part since the interior notes of the harmonies were already covered. So, often times us fourth part horns found ourselves simply playing along with whatever the bass line was playing – usually the euphoniums or tubas. That’s ok, though. I was still in the band! I got to participate in every concert and contribute my part (however inaccurately my paltry level of practicing allowed) to the whole of the sound. We played some fantastically beautiful pieces both in high school and in college, and I treasure the many concerts we gave sharing that music with whoever was in the audience to hear.
There’s just something special in the way a group of people (in my case, teenagers) can come together and produce such a wonderful collaboration. No single one of us could come anywhere close to producing such a sound on our own, of course. Only by bringing our talents together could we sound so pleasing. Naturally, we had to be playing our parts as the composer had envisioned, and that is a key element, but we each had individual influence over how our parts were played as well. There is a great spectrum of expression available to a musician, and how they choose to express that melody is as unique as the artist interpreting the notes on the page. When it all comes together, though, it can be truly breathtaking.
There is a sense in which the musicians are doing it for their own gratification. It is immensely satisfying to be on stage in such a concert contributing your small part to the whole, and letting the music just course through you – knowing what notes are coming and understanding how all of the melodies and harmonies interact. Yet there is a performative dimension as well. Others are watching and listening closely, hoping that what you are about to do will bring them great joy as well. We could simply keep rehearsing in the band hall and really enjoy the music ourselves. It is much more gratifying to put all of that hard work to use over in the concert hall where it can benefit so many more people as they watch and listen to the fruits of our labors.
Scripture, to oversimplify, paints a grand picture of God’s desire for us to work in concert with each other. Through narrative, poetry, song, and history, this timeless collection of writings that we love so much shows us over and over again how God’s people can work together to make beautiful music from the score that He has composed. Scripture doesn’t pull any punches, though. It is also full of examples of just how badly we can mess things up when we refuse to do so. Yet each time God consistently pursues His beloved creatures anyway. It is a story of ultimate faithfulness to humans beyond our ability to reciprocate. God’s pursuit of us is rooted in love, not vengeance. That is the truly remarkable part. In return, to the extent that we are able (flawed as we are), we are called to return this faithfulness and love by becoming the humans that God created us to be. In other words, we are called to join with each other and strike up the band! God has composed the most beautiful and masterful score, and simply asks that we use the gifts He has given us to play our music in harmony.
There have been a handful of times when God has chosen to reach out directly to a human. Moses at the burning bush is a prime example. Yet the vast majority of the time, God prefers to reach out to us through other people. I have not experienced any burning bushes in my lifetime, nor have I met anyone who has. But I definitely give God credit for putting certain mentors in my life. God has worked through former employers, teachers, coaches, band directors, co-workers, family members, and friends. God prefers that we join Him as co-laborers. Sure, God has the ability to directly talk to each one of us, like he did for Moses. Yet how much more powerful is it for my story to be intertwined with your story? How much more meaningful is it for us to work together to further His kingdom? Yes, God could accomplish it – every bit of it – all by himself. He chooses to conduct a symphony of followers instead.
If you profess to follow Christ but aren’t exercising your gifts in concert with fellow believers, are you really following Him? Jesus was clear that He came from the Father, and that they are one in heart such that speaking to one is functionally as good as speaking to the other. It is in working together as a church that we produce truly beautiful wonders of the kingdom. My encouragement is for you to find your instrument and practice your scales. Develop your musicality with the gifts you have been given. But don’t stop there.
Find a band to join and make music together. Even if you find yourself in a 6th grade beginner’s band full of people who consistently crack the notes and come in at the wrong time. Everyone had to start somewhere. The important thing is to keep playing! You will play better with time and practice and the patience of our gracious conductor Jesus.
Strike up the band!
~ Clay
Fowlers in Japan 