Waiting for the Encore
The Conductor
There is an orchestra that is playing in the middle of a busy city. Car horns blow, cell phones chirp, people clamor as the noise of the city all but drowns out the beautiful music of the orchestra. Yet the orchestra plays on. Every now and then, someone stops and notices the sound of the music, then seeks until they find the source of the beautiful melody.
When they walk up, the Master of Ceremonies (MC) runs to greet them, embraces them and gives them a white robe to wear. They always want to listen to the score, but the MC tells them that He has reserved a seat and an instrument just for them. The person objects, "I don't know how to play!", but the MC says, "We'll teach you everything that you need to know."
The player looks down at a musical instrument in front of them that has their name engraved on it. It's a different kind of instrument, unlike any other. It's an instrument made just for that person. "Can I play that instrument over there?" he asks the MC, who replies, "Oh, no. Their instrument is made just for them just as yours is made just for you. Come on. Let's give it a try!"
The Composer looks on with a smile as the Conductor leads the orchestra. The new member of the group notices right away that the Conductor is not only leading the entire group but is also patiently showing him how to play his instrument one-on-one. Even though he is very awkward and clumsy, the Conductor smiles and encourages him to continue.
The beautiful music pours out into the heart of the city, but the city remains largely oblivious to the captivating sound. People rush by, distracted with the busyness of their lives. Every now and then, someone pauses to listen. When they hear the music, they become enthralled and drawn by the magnificence of the sound. As they wander in, the MC runs out to embrace them and fit them with a shiny, white robe.
On the stage, as players finish their parts, they depart and walk backstage. New players take their seats and begin to play their own instruments made just for them. So the music continues amidst the noise and chaos of the city consumed with its own dissonance.
Yet there will come a day when the noise of the city will cease and all of the members of the orchestra will be called back on stage for the great encore. As the Composer nods His approval and the Conductor begins the piece, everyone plays perfectly. The melody is all that can be heard as it permeates everything with its beauty and intoxicating power.
Then the MC begins to sing with the loveliest voice that has ever been heard. His song is a love song born in heaven above and tells the greatest story ever of a God of love who gave up His own Son to redeem a world that was lost in chaos and rebellion. All heaven and earth are spellbound by the golden voice of the Master.
The encore is breathtaking and glorious beyond all measure. All of creation has waited with bated breath for this moment and now it has finally arrived! The best news is that the encore will never end, but continue to pour out infinite beauty, love and grace throughout eternity.
1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
Zephaniah 3:17; "The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
