Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"Facing the Music"
Aug. 15, 2018
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
~ 1 John 5:11-12 (ESV)
Do you know where the expression "facing the music" comes from?
It began in medieval Japan with a man who wanted the security and prestige that came from being a performer in the Imperial Orchestra.
There was a minor flaw in his idea: he couldn't play an instrument -- not a note.
But he did know what he wanted, and he put some pressure on the conductor. Eventually, the leader got worn down and, against his better judgment, allowed the non-player in. When a musical number would begin, our man dutifully raised his instrument to his mouth, puckered his lips, moved his fingers, and pretended to blow.
He went through the motions, but not a tweet ever escaped his flute.
The deception might have continued indefinitely and undetected if it had not been for the appointment of a new conductor. This man's first act was to tell his musicians each of them would have to re-audition for their chair.
This posed no problem for most of the players. They were professionals. They knew what they were doing. One by one they auditioned and were restored to their positions.
Eventually, all were finished, except for the fake flutist. He pretended to be sick; he faked a family emergency; he tried every excuse in the book. Eventually, the day came when there were no more excuses. He found himself being forced to confess he was a fraud.
Unable to face the music, he lost his position, his salary, his home, and his future.
That story should be a familiar one to many people. In this world they long to acquire prestige and power, pseudo-security, and semi-self-confidence. These folks are willing to risk everything and do anything to advance themselves in this world.
At the same time, they ignore the Day of Judgment. They do their best to forget the day is coming when they will have to face the music. On that day they will appear before Jesus. Only on that day, along with being the world's Savior, He will also be Jesus: the just Judge.
When that moment comes, those before the bench will not be able to fake it. They will not be granted a change in venue, nor will they be offered a postponement. They will have to face the music. And the punishment is going to be severe and eternal.
In stark contrast to the unprepared are those who acknowledge Jesus as their Redeemer and who have Him and the Holy Spirit in their corner.
With the Savior and the Holy Spirit there is forgiveness. With them there is joy, hope, peace, and eternal life.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the time is coming when each person will have to face the music. I am most thankful that because of the Savior's sacrifice I have been prepared for that unknown hour and am ready to see my Savior face to face. In His Name I pray. Amen.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Do you know where the expression "facing the music" comes from?
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