This morning, I stumbled across a video that one of my friends shared on Facebook. It was a clip from last night’s episode of American Idol. A 24 year old guy by the name of Alejandro Aranda preformed his original song on the guitar in front of celebrity judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. As soon as he started playing, I knew that this guy is going to be a superstar; I believe the judges did too. With his creative guitar strumming, interesting cord progressions, and lyrical depth, Alejandro has captivated the hearts and ears of people all over the world. If you haven’t see the performance, here is the link The video already has over a million views in one day!
Lionel Richie loved his performance so much that he asked him to play something on the piano as well. Alejandro did not disappoint— it was spellbinding. After he finished, the judges gave their thoughts. Richie said Alejandro is “no joke” and “not playing around.” Perry basically said that she believed Alejandro will be the next American Idol. I would have to agree. But, it was Luke Bryan’s response that struck me the most. He said that he felt like he was in the “presence of greatness.” He said he had never seen anything like it.
Have you ever felt that way before? Have you ever felt like you were in the presence of greatness? As a musician (I play the drums), I have been to concerts and listened to albums that made me feel this way. I think I am an okay drummer when its just me, but if I look up a video of the late Buddy Rich I feel unworthy to even call myself a drummer in comparison to him. There are many people who are decent, a lot who are really good, but only a handful are truly great.
Brother and sisters, as great and talented as some are, no one can compare to the greatness of Jesus. He captivated the Jewish scholars as a twelve year old with His knowledge of the Word of God. He amazed the crowds with His authority to cast out demons and heal the sick. He gave the best sermon ever given on the Mount. He walked on water in the midst of a storm, and then calmed the storm! The men in the boat said, “Who is this that even the winds and waves obey Him?” But this isn’t the greatest thing He did. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He endured the wrath of God that we deserved. And three days later He rose victoriously from the grave! There is truly no one greater than Jesus.
And the greatest person who ever lived (and will ever live) lives within us, brothers and sisters. We won’t just be in the presence of greatness one day in heaven; we are in the presence of greatness now because of Jesus. Luke Bryan said that Alejandro’s performance “rocked him.” In other words, it changed him deeply. If a musician can do this with his song, what can Jesus, our God and King, do with His love? Being in the presence of greatness changes you; there is no doubt about it. Could it be that some so-called “Christians” do not behave like Jesus because they have never truly been in His presence? Jesus either lives in you or he doesn’t. You have either encountered Him or you haven’t.
And here is one last thing to think about. After Alejandro’s incredible audition, people have shared the video like wildfire, saying “hey, you’ve got to see this guy!” Christians, if we have truly experienced the greatness and goodness of God, then why aren’t we telling the whole world about it? Let’s make the greatness of our God known in all the world today! Amen?
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension!Psalm 147:5
