"The hardest instrument in the orchestra to play is the second fiddle" --quoted by the late Leonard Bernstein, famous conductor of the New York Philharmonic
Philippians 2:3-11, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of a cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
I sense a special invitation is going out to many in this hour who have been
faithful in certain key positions and have blessed others with their giftings and
callings. I see these individuals as anointed ones who have been blessed to play
"First" place violin or fiddle in God's orchestra. Let me add that when you
are in first place being used as an instrument, there are times when all eyes
and ears are upon you, especially when you are ministering a solo part in
God's Kingdom. Pressure is on you as the enemy is working overtime against
you to miss a note.
As this picture unfolded, I saw Heaven's spotlight dimming off of many first
place positions and calling many of us to greater promotions in the Kingdom
by humbling ourselves under someone else to help raise them up above and
beyond ourselves.
It's interesting to learn that "second" fiddlers actually have a greater
freedom and creativity to play more notes than the solo fiddler. They are
released to harmonize and do whatever they desire to make the "first" place
fiddler sound his very best. Though he is sort of unknown to many, he often,
through his creativity is the one who covers many mistakes of the one in
spotlight.
In Genesis 41:40, Pharaoh says to Joseph, "Thou shalt be over my house, and
according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne
will I be greater than you." And in verse 43, "And Pharaoh made Joseph to ride in the
'second' chariot."
Genesis 50:18-22, "And his brethren also went and fell down before his (Joseph's)
face and they said, 'Behold, we are thy servants. And Joseph said unto
them, 'Fear not, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you
thought evil against me: but God meant it for good, to bring to pass as it is
this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear not; I will
nourish you and your little ones. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to
them. And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father's house and Joseph
lived a hundred and ten years."
Psalm 75:6-7, "For promotion neither comes from the east, nor from the west,
nor from the south. But God is the judge. He puts down one and sets up
another."
I used to think that when God puts down one, it is a demotion. But not
from God's perspective. It is all part of God's process to promote us to
greater purposes. Ask Joseph how he got to the palace, and he will make sure
you understand what the pit and the prison did to get him there, and how fast
he ran to flee from Potipher's wife! Joseph had integrity that kept him when his God-given dream came
to pass. His gifts and dreams brought him to the palace, but his integrity kept him
there.
When God
brings us low, it's in order to raise us up higher, not in our eyes, but in
His. God has many members in His Body, and He won't use us all the time. If
He did, we would burn out! If you are in a low place right now, be encouraged,
for you are on your way up. If you are being greatly used, don't be surprised
if the Lord chooses to bring you to a place of great humility to refine your
gift and character.
 Anyone for "second" fiddle? May Jesus have first place in all we do,
and may we follow His example of lifting up others to give Him all the glory!
Bill Yount
Blowing the Shofar Ministries
http://www.billyount.com/
Email: theshofarhasblown@juno.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill Yount's Itinerary:
March 18, 2007
New Beginning Full Gospel Church
2671 Williamsport Pike; Martinsburg, WV
Contact: 304-274-2003 or click here
April 1 , 2007
Greenwood Assembly of God
150 Anthony Highway, Fayetteville, PA
Contact: 717-352-2870 or click here
April 7 , 2007
New Beginning Full Gospel Church
2671 Williamsport Pike; Martinsburg, WV
Contact: 304-274-2003 or click here
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"You will get a glimpse of the purposes of God for His people."
In I Heard Heaven Proclaim, Bill Yount shares many enlightening, vivid word pictures that will challenge, instruct, and edify you (
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