Pastor’s Perspective - MOMENTS OF GRACE

I shared the following story a few weeks ago in a sermon. I’ve had a
number of people request a written copy so here you go.

The Washington Post conducted an experiment: What would happen if a world class musician performed elegant classical music on a priceless instrument in the Metro station of a major American city?

The city was Washington D.C. The musician was Joshua Bell, who can
earn upwards of $50,000 for an evening's performance. The instrument was a 300-year-old Stradivarius valued at $3.5 million. The music included the works of Bach and other masters.

The experiment was captured on hidden camera. So, what happened?
How did people respond?

During Mr. Bell's 45 minute performance, 1097 people passed by. 27 dropped spare change into his open violin case, for a total of $35. And seven of them stopped what they were doing to listen for at least one
minute. The other 1070 people hurried past, oblivious, uninterested,
unmoved.

How many times a day does something like this happen to you or me? How often do we miss the music? How many times do we encounter truth, beauty, and excellence, without giving it a second look? How many messages of hope do we ignore? How many demonstrations of grace do we disregard? How many divine appointments do we overlook? How often do we fail to see the hand of God at work? Only
when we recognize God in a moment of truth and beauty are we moved to gratitude and praise.

Ezra wrote these words: "But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, who has left us a remnant, and given us a stake in his holy place, in order that he may brighten our eyes and grant us a little sustenance in our slavery.” (Ezra 9:8)

Let's make an effort to recognize -- and fully experience -- those brief moments of favor and grace God sends our way. There will be at least a few today. Will you see it and give thanks? See you in worship.

Ricky

P.S. The slab is poured and the steel frame is going up!