Each instrument is unique; even those that are similar are not exactly alike. Not one of them makes the same sound. Oh, sure, some of them are intended to make the same sound —are designed to do so— but, even those are just similar, not really the same.
Then, to compound it all, each operator is distinct from every other one. There is absolutely no way to guarantee cohesiveness in carrying out their assignments. And there are dozens of them, often a hundred or more. Every single one of them endowed with free will. That’s a recipe for chaos.
And yet.
They can make music to thrill the very soul. They blend their idiosyncrasies. They agree to be in a shared experience. They accept a script prepared by others. They are willing to be led. All of these, and a thousand other little acts of togetherness, result in something unlike anything that can be achieved alone.
All because they allow it; choose it; will it; do it.
An orchestra is a good way to describe the disciples of Jesus in those weeks and months following His resurrection. We see them that way in this week's scripture from Acts. They show us a willingness to set aside, for a time, the needs and wants of the individual so that everyone may benefit mutually. They act like family. Psalm 133 sums it up, well: “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.”
What do we call this kind of orchestrated togetherness; this mutuality of caring? Over the millennia, people have given it many names, some good and some that are not complimentary by any stretch. I think it deserves a good name, and I think I have a come up with a good one.
It's music; music to God's ears.
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PHOTO: part of the Paducah Tilghman High School Orchestra, circa 1969.
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DaysSpring’s next Lectionary Breakfast is this Friday morning. Join us on Zoom at 8:00. We enjoy a great discussion of the scriptures for this coming Sunday’s sermon.
Contact me for the Zoom link.
NOTE: Zoom allows you to mute the camera if you don’t wish to be seen and to mute the microphone if you don’t wish to speak.
Blessings,
Steve
SCRIPTURES FOR THE COMING WEEK
Find them at:
Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 133
1 John 1:1 - 2:2
John 20:19-31
Second Sunday of Easter (APRIL 11, 2021)
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