IN THE MASTER’S HANDS

by Doug Pierce

“So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21(CSB)

IN THE MASTER’S HANDS.

There’s a popular story that’s told of Paganini, one of the greatest violinists in history. Maybe you’ve heard this true story. It happened on a night when he was scheduled to perform at a concert in New York. He had just purchased one of the most expensive and amazing of all violins, the Stradivarius. That instrument would have sold for millions of dollars. Newspapers advertised, articles were written, everyone was looking forward to hearing the beautiful tones flow from this wonderful instrument. Then, on the day of the concert, there was a buzz about seeing and hearing the Stradivarius. Paganini came out on stage to a rousing applause. He played a breathtaking concert. The audience was stunned by the beautiful melody that came from that amazing violin. “What a lovely instrument” audience members whispered. “I’ve never heard such a magnificent violin”. Then, more than half way through the concert, Paganini shocked everyone. He threw his violin on the floor, then jumped up and down on it leaving a pile of rubble on the stage. Everyone sat in hushed silence. “Ladies and gentlemen”, he said. “I bought that fiddle down the street at a pawn shop for 5 dollars before the concert. Not a bad fiddle. But now I’d like you to hear my new Stradivarius.” Then, picking back up where he left off, he continued to play. He had made his point. Everyone was focused on the instrument, when the instrument is nothing. Even the cheapest of instruments can produce beautiful music in the hands of a master.

WHAT A VALUABLE LESSON.

There’s a wonderful spiritual truth demonstrated from that story. You and I, if we’re not careful, can become just like the crowd that came to the concert that night. Their focus was on the instrument rather than the master, Paganini. That crowd learned a great lesson we must learn: *It’s not so much the violin as it is the man who draws the bow. 

To the world, you may be just a cheap fiddle, but God is the one who can make music flow from your life. That’s what our verse for today is saying. Look at it again, “So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” (CSB)

GIDEON, OUR EXAMPLE. 

One day the Lord spoke to a man named, Gideon (Judges 6:24). He wanted to use him to lead the Israelite army to bring deliverance from their enemy, the Midianites. Gideon knew the Midianite army was much larger and far more powerful than the army of Israel. It was a God-sized task for sure! What was Gideon’s response? He said, “…Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (15-16)

Gideon was saying, “But, Lord, look at me…I’m a nobody! There’s no way I can do what you’re asking me to do! Please, if you don’t mind, I’d rather you get someone else for the job!” 

What was Gideon’s problem? His focus was on the instrument, not the Master! He was only considering his abilities and his weaknesses and that caused him to flinch from the task God wanted to use Him to accomplish.

That’s when the Lord got His attention. He reminded him, “…Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (Judg. 6:16). 

And it was during those moments of talking it over with the Lord when Gideon’s focus turned from trusting in his own strength and ability to trusting in the Lord. He began to see himself as an instrument the Lord would use to show His mighty power. As a result, Gideon stepped out by faith with just 300 men to fight against a Midianite army of over 120,000 soldiers. And the Bible says, “…the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon”… (6:34). 

And God used him to wipe out the mighty army of the Midianites! Wow!

IT AIN’T ABOUT YOU! 

What’s the task in front of you today? What has the Lord put upon your heart to do? What is the God-sized battle you’re facing today that’s caused you to shrink back in doubt and fear? Stop looking at yourself! Stop comparing yourself to others! Quit looking at your weaknesses and your past failures! It’s not about your ability or inability! It’s about your availability!

May the Lord change your focus today like He did with Gideon. His promise to Gideon is His promise to you . . . ”Surely I will be with thee . . . ” God uses common people! God must love using common people because He made so many of us! God will use you like an instrument in His hands! 

Face your battle today knowing you’re in the mighty hands of the Master! Claim the promise from II Timothy 2:21, “…to be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” Just as it was with Paganini, yield your life as an instrument to the mighty hands of your Master, the Lord Jesus, so He can touch the hearts of those around you for His glory! 

Think it over . . . !

Doug Pierce is a Church planter and a pastor. In 2003 he started, and continues to pastor First Independent Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi. His #1 priority is to glorify God in all aspects of ministry. He does this through teaching his congregation to Love God, Love One Another, and Love Others to God. Prayer, outreach, and church growth through evangelism are vital parts of his ministry. He and his wife Suzanne live in Madison, Mississippi where they also enjoy their children and grandchildren.

Feature Image by Niek Verlaan from Pixabay