The Early Church - Chapter 6 - The Symphony of God

Chapter 6 - The Symphony of God

There
is a hushed silence as the curtain rises upon the symphony orchestra.
The conductor enters with dignity, bows low and takes his place. His
baton is upraised, commanding the attention of all. As he begins to
lead the symphony, all are keenly aware of his leadership and
direction. A vast array of instruments is spread before him. There is
the violin and the cello, the clarinet and the oboe, the trumpet and
the trombone, besides a host of others. All are different, but all have
a special piece to play, a special contribution to make. The flute is
very different from the French horn, but each is vital.

Note how
each player keeps his eye on the conductor. The conductor's mood is
seized and interpreted by each player. At times his arms move gently
and slowly, and the music becomes tranquil and peaceful. His thoughtful
mood is heard in the pensive notes that fill the air. Then the mood
changes. His arms move dynamically and powerfully, and as the players
catch the spirit, the music surges and rolls with powerful emotion. The
power of music stirs the soul of the audience.

Isn't is amazing
that out of the maze of instruments, there comes one voice, one harmony
to delight the ear? What is the secret? The symphony, this "sound
together", is only possible because the will of each player is
completely bent to the will of the director. His whisper is an absolute
command. Thus, out of many different voices comes one symphony, one
harmony.

There is a spiritual parable in this for the believer.
God has given different gifts to his people. Christians should be
thankful for each gift, not envying others, nor despising them. Each
has a needed note to sound in the symphony of God. "Now there are
diversities of gifts, but the same spirit" (I Cor. 12:4). How utterly
foolish Christians are to despise or neglect any of these gifts. Each
has his part to play for the glory of God.

But how can there
possibly be a symphony of spiritual blessing in the gatherings of the
saints? May one suggest that, even as in the orchestra each player must
be completely led by the conductor, even so each gift in the assembly
must be under the control of God the Holy Spirit. There is only
disharmony in the orchestra if each player is a law to himself. There
must be the absolute control of the conductor.

One sees two
extremes in Christendom today. In some places there is spiritual
anarchy in the meetings. This is extreme Pentecostalism where each is a
law unto himself, and confusion reigns. It is as if the orchestra has
gone wild; each plays his own piece and disregards the conductor. The
other extreme is more common. Here man has organized the whole program.
Each meeting is arranged and organized to such an extent that the Holy
Spirit can only look on mournfully as man bungles around trying to lead
God's symphony. It is all very orderly, dreadfully so, but the heart is
gone out of the music. At times the directing hand of the Holy Spirit
is seen in spite of man's efforts, but what glorious notes might be
heard if only he were allowed complete control. This is the tragedy of
so many churches today.

Being subject to the Holy Spirit is a
vital mark of the New Testament church. If the Holy Spirit's leadership
and direction are acknowledged, He will produce a symphony of love, of
understanding and of united action. Mark the unity of those early days.
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one
soul" (Acts 4:32). Are not many of our meetings dull and profitless,
because man is trying to direct God's orchestra? Why not come together
in dependence on the Holy Spirit to lead and acknowledge His authority?
As He gives the cue for the different ones to take part, a delightful
spiritual melody will thrill the soul. It may be that at times He will
fill the room with the rousing, strident tones of reproof and
exhortation. Too seldom is that strain heard today. Again, the measured
notes of teaching instruct the believers' minds. Often, too, He may
play upon the strings of comfort and lift up the hearts of the
discouraged. Blessed is the symphony led by the Lord the Spirit.

"How
is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an
interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying" (I Cor. 14:26).