|
|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 20, 2006 For the Glory of God Alone |
A daily |
FRONTLINE DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2006 by Fritz Foltz
One of a congregation’s greatest gifts is a truly good church musician. In truth it is a double gift. A truly good church musician is not only an accomplished artist, but also one that uses that skill to enhance the worship rather than his or her own personal acclaim.
Johann Sebastian Bach certainly exemplified that quality. At the beginning of most of his works he wrote the initials “JJ” which stood for “Jesus Help” and at the end “SDG” that meant “For the Glory of God Alone”. He did this on music written for use in worship, on secular scores, and often even on instructional exercises.
Ever since I heard of that notation back at the beginning of my ministry I have used it as an ideal for my own work. It has certainly given me a proper perspective in many difficult situations.
Bach’s vocation was writing and performing music. Ours can be whatever God has placed before us here and now. In today’s text it involves the simple acts of eating and drinking. The key to a successful Christian life involves keeping Bach’s perspective no matter how minor our task.
There was a time when I thought it silly when an athlete pointed to heaven in an attempt to give God the glory after an achievement, such as scoring a touchdown. I thought it gave sport far more importance than it deserves. I have changed my mind, about the practice not the importance of sport. For better or worse the athlete’s vocation is sport, and he or she as much as Bach is called to give God glory.
All of this goes against our society’s values that urge us all to seek our own advantage. As God’s people we are to do our best that he might be given the glory and the world recognize his place.
How about trying it yourself? Start the day with “Jesus Help Me” or “In the Name of Jesus” (another one of Bach’s notations). End each day and each duty with “For the Glory of God alone”.
Let us pray: I give thanks, Father, for the salvation your love has freely granted to me. Help me as I dedicate my life to witnessing to your glory. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 |
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
Visit the |