Does my life count? - by Christo Jovner

 

Second Fiddle 

Second Fiddle means the one that plays a supporting or subservient role.

The origin of the phrase 'Play second fiddle' is derived from the orchestral role of Second Violin. This person leads the group of second violins (fiddles) who play a supportive role musically to the first violins which usually play the melody. 

Have you ever feel that you only play the second fiddle? Perhaps in life, in your work, at home, in your family?  

John, the baptist, was born in the same time period as Jesus, and of John was prophesied the following: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” Luk 1:76 (ESV). To me it sounds like John would play second fiddle to Jesus’ life melody. This was a fulfilled prophecy from Isa 40:3 “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” (ESV). John even said this of himself in John 1:23 when he was confronted by priests and Levites from Jerusalem. 

Playing second fiddle in the kingdom of God meant that John said: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matt 3:2). 

It meant that John was baptising people, “I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I’m a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out.” Matt 3:11-12 (MSG) 

It meant John said the following when he saw Jesus: “Behold! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) 

It meant that after trying to prevent Jesus to be baptised by him, Jesus said to him ““Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.” So John did it.” (Matt 3:15 MSG)

This was John’s life - he prepared the way for Jesus. And this same John was beheaded because of confronting Herod, the Roman king, with the truth. We can learn a lot from this second-fiddle-life of John.  

For me today, if it feels like my life is only playing a second fiddle, I want to say that that is also a melody - a worthy melody - a melody that others can hear and marvel at - a melody that others can hear Jesus in! Like John, let us make beautiful music unto the Lord with our lives - no matter what role we play in the orchestra of life.