“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed and were created!”
Revelation 4:11 (WEB)
Most people have heard the music of Johannes Sebastian Bach, even if they didn’t know it was his composition they were listening to.
Bach lived over 330 years ago. He was a German-born child prodigy, composer and musician with many attributes, besides.
Bach’s greatest joy, however, was his love for God. You should read and learn more about this brilliant Baroque era composer.
But as Bach himself would tell you, everything good in him is about God. That is why the title of this study is “Soli Deo Gloria” (“To the Glory of God, Alone”).
The beginning of all of Bach’s compositions was inscribed with the initials “JJ” (Jesu Juva), or “Jesus help me!” He concluded each piece with the initials “SDG” (Soli Deo Gloria), “To the Glory of God Alone!”
Bach knew that his beautiful gift of music came from his Creator. He also knew that asking God for help, and dedicating each work to the Lord was his reasonable service. Once each piece was complete, he gave honor and praise to God alone.
What a wonderful testimony of faith, and an example for every believer to follow. Dedication and praise to the Creator. These are humbling ways for believers to share what magnificent things God has done.
What are your gifts and talents? God gave you something special, too. It’s the authentic signature of your Creator, which reveals that everything you have comes from Him.
Everyone has talents and gifts. Even those who don’t believe in God have been gifted because God created them, too. He loves them, too. But believers know where the gift came from. They know it’s not their invention.
One of my favorite pieces of music that Bach wrote is “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”. Even if you don’t like classical music, I hope you will take an opportunity to listen to this heartfelt piece.
I have pasted the lyrics below. Next to each line is a Bible verse related to the line. I found some wonderful treasures by reading the verses in context while studying for this blog. Take your time. Study God’s Word. Read the passages aloud, as you have time. Reading scripture aloud is very meaningful.
Jesu, joy of man’s desiring, John 15:11
Holy wisdom, love most bright; 1 Corinthians 1:30
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring Ephesians 5:1-2
Soar to uncreated light. Deuteronomy 32:11
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, John 1:14
With the fire of life impassioned, Jeremiah 20:9
Striving still to truth unknown, 1 Corinthians 13:12
Soaring, dying round Thy throne. Hebrews 4:16
Through the way where hope is guiding, Psalm 119:105
Hark, what peaceful music rings; Zephaniah 3:17
Where the flock, in Thee confiding, John 10
Drink of joy from deathless springs. Revelation 7:17
Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure; Hebrews 1:3
Theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure. Proverbs 8
Thou dost ever lead Thine own Isaiah 40:11
In the love of joys unknown. Ephesians 3:19
Share the Good News in your world!
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 