By David ReayFriday 18 Jun 2021LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
If you really love me, you will keep the commandments I have given you and I shall ask the Father to give you someone else to stand by you, to be with you always. I mean the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, for it can neither see nor recognise that Spirit. But you recognise him, for he is with you now and will be in your hearts. I am not going to leave you alone in the world—I am coming to you. (JBP)
The great Polish pianist, Paderewski, once gave a private concert in the home of a wealthy aristocrat. One guest was a young woman who came with her son. This boy was learning to play the piano so his mother thought it a wonderful opportunity to let her son hear a real master at work.
Before the concert, she got talking to other guests and lost sight of her child. The lights then dimmed in preparation for the arrival onstage of Paderewski. To the woman’s horror, she saw her son approaching the piano. To her further horror, she saw him climb on the stool and start tapping at the piano keys. Now throughout the hushed room, came the strains of “Twinkle, twinkle, little star…” Played very much as would a young boy just learning the art.
This was when the great Paderewski came on the stage. Without a word, he came and sat alongside the little boy who was plodding away in his faltering style. Paderewski joined in, and soon the childhood tune was a soaring masterpiece of melodic invention. The simple and stilted work of a child was transformed when the great master of the art came alongside and gave of his mastery.
Much as the living God does when he comes alongside us by his Holy Spirit and changes our lives into something of beauty and value. Left to our own devices, we can play a simple tune or two. With the help of our Maker we can create masterpieces.
Blessings
David