Our Reading: Psalm 123 and Isaiah 2:2-5, Jeremiah 29:7

The famous conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein was once asked what the hardest instrument to play is, and he replied “second fiddle.” The pride of man wants to be recognized and to be in the highest position of honor and esteem. But, God has a different standard. He calls us to play second fiddle and to have a servant’s heart. There may be differing opinions within the Christian faith about beliefs but the one thing that should never be disagreed about is that we must give God the spotlight and recognize that we are to serve Him. That is how the author of this Psalm reminds us to seek God, as an humble servant seeks audience with His Lord.

“To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.” Psalm‬ ‭123‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭

For most of us, the life of a slave or indentured servant is something we can only read about or hear stories about. It is hard to fathom being 100% under the direction and dependence of a master for every morsel of food, scrap of clothing, or condition of shelter. It is hard to imagine where one has no personal or leisure time unless granted, and no personal items or sense of freedom to roam or travel at will. When Jesus addressed this system which was prevalent in that day, he reminded both free and those in bondage that ultimately God was the master of all and what was done should be done as unto Him. I couldn’t help but think about this in terms of being employed or in terms of responsibilities to our families and fellow believers.

“Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬-‭9‬ ‭

Thankfully, in most of the world, the system of slavery has been abolished, but we are voluntarily called to be servants for God.  God’s system is opposite to the world’s system. It is not the elite or powerful or most accomplished or privileged who will be given the highest merit in God’s eyes, but the ones who genuinely and humbly take the second fiddle seat and play their lesser esteemed part to benefit others.  Jesus taught this important spiritual mindset to his disciples. ‭

“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭35‬ ‭

Jesus not only taught by words but most importantly, by example.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."” Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭45‬ ‭

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭8

Every situation we find ourselves in is an opportunity to be dependent upon God’s mercy and to serve Him with a humble heart. It may not be the circumstance that we like, and we may have to yield our freedoms to others, but we can do so if it is what God asks of us. We may have to give up the spotlight and do without the applause of man. We may have to do thankless and difficult tasks but we can do so to honor Him. We can learn to play second fiddle and play that part with all of our dedication, joy and passion, seeking blessing and mercy from the One who is, after all, Lord of Lords. And one day, He shall indeed reward the efforts of all hearts that yield to Him.

“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”‭‭ 1John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭

Reflection:

1. When called to do seemingly thankless tasks, what is your attitude and perspective? Do you think about who you are truly serving?
2. Do you find yourself striving for the spotlight and the prized first seat or can you find purpose and fulfillment in playing second fiddle?
3. Do you have a servant’s heart when you seek God or do you focus on your own wants and desires?

Prayer: Father, we come to You as a servant before our gracious and honored Lord! We want to be humble and obedient to seek Your counsel and guidance and to accept the tasks that You would have us to do. May all that we do be done in a manner that reflects hearts yielded to You. Thank You for Your mercies, Your patience, Your abounding blessings!