|
Listen
|
In the words of his remake of the song “My Sweet Lord,” José Feliciano shares his testimony of growing up poor in Puerto Rico. His parents recognized his musical talent early. He would sit in the corner and make music with a tin can. Feliciano sings that God “put this guitar in my hands.”
José Feliciano – “My Sweet Lord”
https://youtu.be/sK2jxpclPLE?si=AhElio2Mfl2JpnNj
Spiritual Gifts
God has an instrument or a skill for each of us to use in His Kingdom. As the Apostle Paul explains:
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”-1 Corinthians 12:4‑6 (NIV)
Examples from Film and Art
While watching old movies this weekend, I came across another example of a gift God has given someone. In the 1953 hit movie The Band Wagon, starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, Charisse uses her dancing as her instrument. She once said of Astaire: “Fred moved like glass.”
IMDB article on Cyd Charisse:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001998/bio/?ref=nmovbiosm
Cyd Charisse also shared that censors monitored her costumes on set to ensure they were modest and decent. At this point in Hollywood history, both censors and the public cared deeply about morality in movies.
What struck me, however, was the paradox of society: In the mid‑1950s, the film industry insisted on moral purity while Black men and women were being lynched, and society was divided by race. Classic films and songs show artists striving for the highest ideals, even as society failed to reach them.
If I only believe what I see on the silver screen, I become disconnected from reality. If I focus solely on the cruelty of the world, I become cynical. Both perspectives are necessary.
Hope and Discouragement
What has redeemed us throughout history is that someone always strives for the highest ideals, even during hatred, injustice, and segregation. The prophet Elijah experienced this tension. He served faithfully, yet society rejected God. Elijah became discouraged:
“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
—1 Kings 19:14 (NIV)
God encouraged Elijah and reminded him he was not alone:
“Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”
—1 Kings 19:18 (NIV)
Encouragement for Today
Our prayer today is that brave souls continue teaching and preaching justice, equality, and God’s righteousness. Let us not grow weary.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”—Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
We Love You,
Pastors Willie and Rochelle McIntosh
On Mission Every Day. Join us
- Learn the Word by reading our weekly blog.
- Write a comment, join us on social media or zoom meeting every Sunday at 2:30pm ET except the 2nd Sunday at 6:00PM (day subject to change).
- Do you need Prayer? Have questions? We can be reached at [email protected]
Was this message a blessing to you? Would you consider sharing it?
