DaLee and I went to a concert recently. On each side of the stage there was a video screen to give an enlarged view of the performer for the “cheap seats.” Speaking of cheap seats, we were in the balcony, but weren’t really that far from the stage. I could see and hear the singer very well, however, all during the concert I found myself watching the screen instead of the live performer right in front of me. It was basically just a little larger shot of him except when the camera would zoom in and I got a close up view of his face. I stopped myself a couple of times and thought, “Why am I watching the screen when he is right there? I came to experience him live, not by video.” The video feed was there to enhance the experience for me, so I could get those up close views which I couldn’t have otherwise. What a pity it would have been if that had been my whole concert experience.
If we want to know and experience God, we have His holy word, the Bible. We can read it and know firsthand what He thinks, feels, says, and does. There are a multitude of commentaries and other books that can enhance our Bible reading experience but they should never take the place of the actual experience. Why would and should I only listen to someone else and not God Himself, when He is right there in front of me? I should always direct my attention to Him first and foremost and then enhance the experience with outside writings. Kind of like those folks that talk about food on TV. No matter how well they describe it, nothing will ever take the place of me putting the actual food in my mouth! And I’m willing to do that if anyone knows where I can apply!
The choir has started work on our Christmas music. If you’d like a short-term commitment, why not join us for Christmas? It’s going to be great!
love ya, Bret.
