Isaiah 53:5 – But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 5:21 – God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (NIV)

In the church where I worship, we have a humble man living out his retirement years with his wife of 38 years. Roger sings special music on some Sundays. He composes songs that tell his story and witness for his Saviour. It is an absolute delight to hear his ministry in song.

On August 29, 2021, Roger gave some testimony before he sang about God's amazing grace. He had a guitar standing upright in a cradle on the stage beside him. Roger told the congregation how God had reached him with His grace and cleansed his soul more than 30 years ago.

Then, he held up the guitar that he was going to strum. It was missing a fair-sized piece of finish on one side. But the sound and tone of the instrument were beautiful. He told us that he has the gift of repairing a guitar so that it can make beautiful music when he plays and sings for his Saviour. Each guitar has its own character, sound, and style when it is tuned and strummed. Its sound comes from the particular kind of wood that it is crafted from. Just like people, guitars come in all sizes, shapes, and colours.

Roger then told us the history of the guitar. "When I found Norman, which was the name and model on the headstock (the top of the neck, which holds the keys that tune the strings), the strings were broken off, lying on the ground beside the guitar. Someone had stood on the back of the guitar and spread the sides out. It took awhile for me to repair it to be used to sing for Jesus. Each guitar has a story. They remind me of my being lost and ruined in the sight of God."

Roger went on to say, "Some people are abused, some are abandoned, and some are just searching for comfort. Jesus looks for the broken, sick, misfortunate, and lonely. Jesus is seeking people who will love Him and tell others of His love at Calvary. Believers need to encourage each other and build each other up in the faith."

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (NIV)

Let us be sure to bring our crushed, broken, ruined lives to Christ for Him to heal, transform, and recreate.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to be willing to share the grace of God with others in the message of the gospel. The arms of Jesus are stretched out that whosoever will, may come. May His love shine through us daily to family, neighbours, and friends. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
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