“His own little band.”

Hymn: “The Master Hath Come” – Sarah Doudney (1841-1926)
Tune: ASH GROVE

If you are a guy, and you grew up in the sixties or seventies, and you liked music and thought you were going to be a star someday – you were probably a part of a garage band. I was. We were called the “Sonics,” and we actually played a couple of very short gigs around Pigeon Forge. Most of our playing was in Jimmy Barnes’ rec room… which, as I recall, had originally been a garage! We were the worst ever – no doubt about it.

Jesus had his own little band of twelve disciples and several other tag-alongs – groupies and roadies, I guess! However, they did not hole up in a stable and do covers of all the popular songs of their day. They WERE, however, “his own little band” of devotees… followers of him, his teachings and his example. They hung on to his every word, yet rarely “got it” when it came to understanding what he really meant. They did, however, assist him with his social ministry of feeding the thousands and healing the sick and lame.

Now, some two thousand years later, you and I are a part his band of brothers and sisters. We are bound to him with bands of love; he is, in fact, our blood brother. I am proud to be included in his marching band – moving forward in step with other believers, ever marching to Zion! His is also a Rock band: “On Christ the solid Rock I stand…” His ensemble is also a country band, speaking straight-forward truth to the common people. I guess we could also consider his band a Jazz group because he allows members to express themselves freely while sticking to the basic chord progressions!

The local community theater is rehearsing for their fall production of THE MUSIC MAN; one of my grandsons (Carson) is in the cast. Everyone in River City comes under the influence of Harold Hill, eventually coming to believe in themselves in ways that may be completely unrealistic… but they are better people for it, and the “trouble” in River City is not as great as it was at the beginning of the show.

We have been drawn to Christ. He has improved our attitude and our belief in ourselves. For the most part, trouble has taken a back seat to hope.

Suit up, friends. It’s about time to take the field. We need 77 of you to grab a trombone, 110 of you with cornets blaring, over a thousand reed-players and a few double-bell euphoniums. Your Drum Major is about take his little band to the fifty-yard line.

Now, aren’t you glad you joined this not-so-little band? Play on!

This hymn accompanied by a “little band”!