Joshua Bell, a world-renown violinist, dressed as a nondescript violin player and descended into the Metro subway station in Washington, D.C. For forty-five minutes Joshua played beautifully with a rare Stradivarius worth more than $3 million for passers by with several of them dropping small change into his violin case. Not one person recognized him or the valuable violin. Just three days earlier, Joshua had sold out Boston’s Symphony Hall with a concert with ordinary seats going for $100.

Many of the saints treat the Lord and the church the same way. They hear the music (the word) and the one who is making it (the Lord), yet it doesn’t mean too much. When the collection tray comes by, all that some put in is a little “pocket change” with no obvious regard for the lost souls who might be won to the Lord if more were contributed.

The church is worth more than any Stradivarius. She was purchased with the blood of God in the flesh (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18, 19). She is shown appreciation by love for her, attending her worship services, supporting her eternal call and by standing up for the biblical pattern of her divine character.

Just as Joshua Bell was unrecognized by hundreds of people, the Lord and the church must not be. We are all called by the word to promote the “Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32) to those all around us (Mark 16:15, 16).

Note: To read the Washington Post article about Joshua Bell’s January 12, 2007, subway performance mentioned in Randy’s article, click HERE. Joshua Bell will be in concert at the Robinson Center Music Hall on March 26.

Popularity: 73% [?]