Who would think that such an exquisite sound could be produced by two thin blades of cane held together by a thin metal tube? The oboe, a most challenging, yet distinct, member of the modern orchestra, is definitely near the top of my all-time favorite instrument list. But a crucial ingredient is needed before one can enjoy the oboe’s rich, poignant, and penetrating sound, and that is BREATH. That sweet sound is only produced when the instrument is in the hands of an accomplished oboist, their controlled breath applying sufficient air pressure across those delicate reeds, causing a vibration to occur inside that conical, wooden bore. I was privileged to know such an oboist, a young woman gifted with a blend of God-given ability, human effort, and raw talent; I was blessed to have her as my student. When Eve breathed life into her oboe, that piece of wood sang a song so rich in beauty and emotion that words fail to describe it, a haunting tone that would lift its listeners to emotional heights of pleasure and peace.
If you are fortunate enough to own a copy of God’s precious Word, you have “a light that shineth in a dark (polluted) place.” The apostle/preacher Peter was a blessed, chosen man who actually walked and talked with Jesus, witnessed His glorious transfiguration on “the holy mount,” heard first-hand the “voice which came from heaven.” He listened with his own ears as the Father gloriously proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son.” But as amazing as that eye-witness moment had to have been, Peter tell us that WE have a “more sure word of prophecy.” More sure, is that even possible? The more sure of which Peter confidently spoke was the inspired, written Word of God.
Peter tells us that “holy men spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” and Paul adds in his letter to Timothy that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” Ponder that beautiful oboe for a moment, no sound was produced without Eve’s breath; it was a lifeless instrument without the breath of a skilled musician. In like manner, all Scripture is God-breathed. God used human vessels as His instruments, breathed His sacred breath into their writing tools, recording through them His words for us. You hold in your hand the very breath of God, lovingly given to us, “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” How awesome, yet humbling, is that?
The next time you hear a wind instrument sing its lovely song, take a moment to appreciate the human breath behind that melody. And the next time you read His Word, ponder and appreciate the fact that the Author lives within you.
II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Thank You, Lord, for Your Word. Thank You for breathing into human vessels Your divine revelation to mankind. Help me never to take that marvelous Book for granted.