I guess, as children, most of us had to “face the music” at times. Maybe when our parents found out about that lie we told … … or that we had done something we said we hadn’t … … or when we stole something … or …
Those who had good parents were made to “FACE THE MUSIC” when the truth was revealed and had to SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR ACTIONS.
“Face the music” is one cliché of which we know the origin.
Many years ago, a man wanted to play in the Imperial Orchestra, which often played before the King and was considered the absolute TOP. This a good ambition for a musician, but this man had a problem: he couldn’t play a note of music!
While he couldn’t play music, he WAS very rich and he had great influence. He was used to getting whatever he wanted, so he demanded to be allowed to join the orchestra, so that he could perform in front of the king. After trying to talk him out of it, the conductor agreed to let him sit in the second row of the orchestra.
Even though he couldn’t read music and he couldn’t play a note, he was given a flute. When the orchestra was ready and the conductor signalled, this man would raise his flute, pucker up his lips and move his fingers. He went through all the motions of playing, but he never made a sound. He “played” in the orchestra in this fashion for TWO YEARS.
Then, one day, something happened. A new conductor took over the Imperial Orchestra. The new conductor announced he had very high standards. It was his intention to personally audition each of the players to see how well they could play. One by one, the players performed in his presence. When it was his turn, the phoney flautist was frantic with worry. He pretended to be sick but there was no escape.
Embarrassed and with lots of shame, the man had to confess that he was a PHONEY. He had played in the Imperial Orchestra and “got away with it” for two years, but eventually he had to “FACE THE MUSIC”.
A word of warning to unbelievers:
The FLAUTIST went through all the motions of being a flautist.
He LOOKED like a flautist.
He ACTED like a flautist.
He CALLED HIMSELF a flautist.
He was NOT a flautist.
He was a PHONEY; a FAKE; a FRAUD!
Some people go through all the motions of being a Christian.
People can CALL themselves Christian, when, in reality,
they are only ACTING like Christians.
They are PHONEYS; FAKES; FRAUDS.
It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this, the JUDGEMENT.
On that day, NO ONE will be able to avoid “facing the music”
The phoneys will have to face the music -
and the outcome is for ALL ETERNITY.
1 John 5:12 tells us
He who HAS THE SON has life,
and he who DOES NOT HAVE the Son of God does NOT have life
John 14:6 Jesus tells us
I am THE WAY, the Truth and the Life.
No one comes to the Father except by Me.
A word to Christians:
Sometimes, we may do something wrong that we “get away with” … … or at least, we seem to … … We know there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. We are “under the blood”. We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. But … …
Do we sometimes neglect our time in the Word and prayer?
Do we sometimes gossip about our neighbour, maybe not even knowing if it is true?
Do we get angry or feel resentment toward someone?
Do we indulge in pride or self-satisfaction, or take credit where it is not due?
Do we turn away when we see someone in grief or distress, or neglect to at least call someone we know is lonely?
Do we pass up on opportunities because we want to do something to please self?
Do we follow our own desires without seeking the Lord’s guidance?
We may have to “face the music” for some of these things, apologising to people we have hurt, and that will be upsetting, embarrassing and humbling.
We can be assured of one thing.
One day we WILL “face the music” for all the times
we have failed to yield to the Lord’s rightful place on the throne of our lives. Nothing will alter my position in Christ.
There will be no condemnation and no loss,
but one day, I will stand before Him at the Judgement Seat of Christ
and my works will be tried,
whether they be “gold, silver and precious stones”
or “wood, hay and stubble”
1 Corinthians 3:11-15
I want there to be plenty of “gold, silver and precious stones”
to lay at His feet.