Tuning Fork

I remember an event that happened years ago when I was in highschool. We were hosting a weekend event and part of the celebrations included a professional choir that came to sing for us. I still remember the director who swept into the room with his long grey ponytail flowing and his fur lined coat hanging stylishly over his shoulders. 

Then there were the singers: they were so impressive because they were adults who took this seriously and were intent on performing to a very high standard. 

It came time for the performance. And I remember one number they performed was so complex that each singer had a tuning fork they would tap periodically and then, as the tuning fork was ringing, they would touch one end of it to their temple and hold it there for a short moment. The intricate parts they were asked to perform were so varied and difficult they needed to have these tuning forks to help them stay in tune. 

It looked odd, but ohhh the sound was incredible!  

Each singer had a clear purpose, a gameplan and was intent on following the one who would lead them through. Their purpose was to sing with excellence and clarity;their gameplan was laid out in detail through much time spent in practise; and their attention was given entirely to their director who would confidently show them the way. 

I have been more and more thoughtful lately about what we should expect as followers of Jesus Christ. Is it His desire for us to have some of the same kinds of intent and expectation as this choir?  Did Jesus bring salvation to us only to expect us to do little more than wait for our time to end so we can enjoy eternity with Him?

Or does He desire for us to experience so much more?  Are we being invited to participate in a symphony in which each of us has the privilege of playing a significant part?

I want you to listen to something that God is speaking directly to you as a disciple of Jesus:

1 Corinthians 12:18 NIV

'But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.'

Have you questioned what it means to be a follower of Jesus?  Are you so confused what this actually means that you have have serious doubts that you have a role to play that only you can play?  

God called you.  And he has stated clearly that he placed you in His Family just where he wants you. He has given you a part to sing.  He has put you in just the right section. He has provided you with others who will sing with you. He has given you music you can follow. He has even provided you with a tuning fork you can use to find your way when things get really confusing. Oh, and there is even a Director who knows a thing or two about leading!

The question is do you believe it?  Do you really accept that God has you where he wants or are so preoccupied with all the things in your life that you are convinced are wrong in you or around you that you can't even recognize that you are part of this great choir let alone that you have a part to sing?

God says to believers in Jesus "you belong and you have been given a part to sing".  Full stop. 

Would you like to believe this?  Would you like to discover what your role is?  Would you like to experience what it feels like to sing in harmony with a group that has meaning and purpose?

Then pick up your "tuning fork" and allow it to show you your part. It will help you to find your notes in real life and will give you direction on what that is to look like. 

God's words for you are written on the "sheet music" and the first movement is titled 'Genesis' and the last stanza is captured in 'Revelation'. 

You are one choice away from seeing your whole life differently.........I look forward to hearing your voice. 

BT

Pastor Brian Tysdal

Rock of Ages Church

Saskatoon, Sask.