Sun, 16 February 2020
Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the world’s greatest musical geniuses. Bach’s compositions are brilliant works of musical innovation and complexity.
His father taught him to play the violin and harpsichord at a very early age. Orphaned at the age of ten, he went to live with his older brother who was a church organist who continued tutoring Bach. He grew to love the Lord and the scriptures. Proof of this is in the fact that he had some 80 theological volumes in his library (quite a trove in those days). He also had a three-volume personal study Bible. His hand written notes attest to his appetite for and love of the Word of God.
Music’s highest purpose for Bach was to glorify God. He attempted to please God in everything he did.
Before composing a single note, he would pen JJ at the top of the page. JJ is Latin for Jesu Juva which means “Jesus help.” Then he would pray, “Jesus, help me show your glory through the music I write. May it bring you joy even as it brings joy to your people.”
When he completed the final note of a composition, he would then write SDG at the bottom of the page, SDG is Latin for Soli Deo Gloria, for the Glory of God Alone. His aim was that his music when played would point people to God and that God would get the glory. He once said, “My music comes from my heart as a humble offering to God.”
He was devoted to Christ, loved the scriptures and recognized that both life and music had a higher purpose. He said, “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”
Bach’s life is an example of what it means to live for the glory of God. It is an example that we all should follow. That will be our theme this coming Sunday at Istrouma. Please join us! |