A Day-by-day devotional

January 30, 2023

Off-tune

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 15-16

Scripture of the Day: Romans 15: 5-6

At concerts played by an orchestra, they wouldn’t just immediately begin playing and start the show. The concert master first gives a cue for the orchestra to tune their instruments. It usually starts with the oboe, followed by the rest, each section to its own.

Imagine an orchestra that did not bother to tune their instruments to harmonize their pitch. Or worse, imagine an orchestra with instruments tuned into diverse pitches. One instrument would go north; another south; still the others west and east. The sound would be without a single direction. There will be no harmony.

We are God’s orchestra. We each play an instrument. We may know how to play our part very well. However, if we do not tune our own instruments according to the part we are supposed to play, we could sabotage the music.

Musicians tune their instruments using their ears. They listen to the sound produced by the section head‘s instrument and tune theirs accordingly. If they fail to listen, they would fail to hear. Their instrument would then go off-tune.

The music is God’s composition. He also designed the orchestration. If we play out of tune, it is very possible not to be aligned to God’s will. It is therefore rather important to keep our instruments in check. Is it aligned to God’s pattern of music or are we playing the tune amiss? If we train our ears to carefully listen, it wouldn’t be difficult for us to hear and recognize what the Lord is saying.

Reflection: You may know how to play your part in God’s kingdom, but have you tuned your instrument to the will of the Father?

Prayer: Father God, give me ears to listen to your voice. I would love to hear it and be able to play my part, tuned unto your will. Amen.