THE GRAND PIANIST

2 Chronicles 26:16-2016 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Azariah the priest with eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in. 18 They confronted him and said, "It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God." 19 Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord 's temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead. 20 When Azariah the chief priest and all the other priests looked at him, they saw that he had leprosy on his forehead, so they hurried him out. Indeed, he himself was eager to leave, because the Lord had afflicted him.

Although I don't play any musical instrument, I always enjoy fine compositions written by accomplished musicians. Their creativity and mastery amaze me! Take the piano for example. It may appear to be a mere wooden structure with a row of black and white bars. But under the hands of a master pianist, it becomes alive, leading us into the world of the musician. We share their joy and sorrow, hope and anguish.

Whenever I watch and listen to an accomplished pianist play, I am reminded of the way God uses me as His instrument. I'm the piano and God is the grand pianist! Any good music that comes out of me and enriches the lives of others is due solely to the creativity and mastery of God Himself.

The first time I had to speak in front of a group, I was very nervous and afraid that I would say the wrong thing or say it incorrectly. I prayed desperately and asked God for help. After speaking a few times and having praises and affirmation showered on me, however, I started thinking I was pretty good and could do it on my own. I had forgotten that I am simply the piano. It is the Great Musician who produces good music in me.

Today we read about King Uzziah. After he became powerful, he also became proud and even sought to defy God's appointed priests. The Lord had to teach him a painful lesson. Although the writer of Chronicles had intended to teach Israel to remember and not reject God's rule in their lives, today's reading helps us to be humble before God and faithful to Him.

We are His instruments, and He is the one who chooses to work in and through us in the first place. May He create some beautiful music in us today. --Lim Chien Chong

destination
points

* What was it like when I first started doing something I was unfamiliar with? Did I gradually become proud when I got better at it?
* I will pray that God will make me humble and faithful.

bottom line: It is not how good we are but how great God is!

soul journey