Unknown Master

Many of you have probably heard the name Felix Mendelssohn, although I don't know how many of you could spell it. You know the name because you have heard some of his music or at least heard about his music. Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, widely known as Felix Mendelssohn, was born in 1809 and died in 1847 at 38. He was a German composer, pianist, organist, and conductor of the early Romantic period. Mendelssohn's compositions include symphonies, concertos, piano, organ, and chamber music.

Today, you might recognize him from his portrait, but that was not the case in the early 1800s.

The story is told of Mendelssohn touring some of the great cathedrals of Europe. As he entered one of the cathedrals, a young organist was practicing. Felix climbed up to the organ and asked if he might play the instrument. The young man was reluctant to let just anyone play the magnificent organ. Felix did not want to reveal his identity but continued to ask, almost to the point of begging to try it out. Reluctantly, the young man yielded the organ bench to the master. What followed was some of the most beautiful music the young man had ever heard. Until that point, the organist had no idea it was Mendelssohn.

As we travel through life, we don't wear a sign around our neck that says, "I'm a Christian." People probably won't recognize us at first glance. But when we begin to show Christ in us through our actions, words, and music, they begin to recognize the Master. I'm, of course, not talking about you but the Master whom you serve.

Paul writes to the Philippians "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:5

Jesus says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Had the internet existed in the 1800s, the young organist might have recognized who was asking to play the organ. Today, in the age of the internet, we might be recognized. Let's hope it is for the fruit of the Spirit alive in our lives, for the gentleness that is evident to all.

The story of Felix Mendelssohn stops without any record of his performance's influence on the young organist, who was practicing for Sunday's worship. It doesn't tell us if he was so inspired by the music that he dedicated his life to honing his craft. It doesn't tell us how many times he shared the story and details of his chance encounter with the master musician. Likewise, you may never know the impact that someone's encounter with you and your Master might have on their lives or those of others around them.

SOMETHING TO PONDER: What will people notice about you after a random chance encounter? How can you more faithfully let your light shine before men?

<><Pastor Craig