Provoke Unto Love...

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ”Hebrews 10:24

We usually think of the word “provoke” in the negative sense of “to make angry”, but it has a positive sense, “to move, or to stir up” in a good way! I think the following story gives a great illustration of Mums – who are faithfully encouraging, stirring up their children in good ways... even if it’s a bit too “stirring” at times!

Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took the small boy to a Paderewski  concert.  After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her.

Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE!"

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing! Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.  In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

At that moment, the great piano master, Paderewski, made his entrance. Paderewski quickly moved to the piano and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part.  Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obligato.

Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Pastor Tottingham