There was once a fiddler who played so beauitully that everybody danced. A deaf man who could not hear the music considered them all insane. Those who are with Jesus in suffering hear this music to which other men are deaf. They dance and do not care if they are considered insane.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the idea that true understanding and joy can often be invisible to those not experiencing it.
Richard Wurmbrand's quote illustrates the concept that beauty and joy can be perceived differently depending on one's experiences and awareness. It compares the deaf man, who cannot understand the joy brought by the fiddler's music, to those who follow Jesus through suffering, who find solace and meaning even when others may see them as irrational or 'insane'. It emphasizes the idea that personal experiences shape our reality, and that sometimes, profound understanding comes from embracing suffering.
In practice
This quote can be used in a sermon to illustrate the beauty found in suffering.
Some tell me Preach the pure gospel! This reminds me that the Communist secret police also told me to preach Christ, but not to mention communism. Is it really so, that those who are for what is called a pure gospel are inspired by the same spirit as those of the Communist secret police?
Christians are meant to have the same vocation as their King, that of cross-bearers. It is this conscience of a high calling and of partnership with Jesus which brings gladness in tribulations, which makes Christians enter prisons for their faith with the joy of a bridegroom entering the bridal room.
It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their [the communists' ] terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy.
God will judge us not according to how much we endured, but how much we could love
A faith that can be destroyed by suffering is not faith.
A man really believes not what he recites in his creed, but only the things he is ready to die for.
...grief can derange even the strongest and most disciplined of minds.
Circumstances are beyond human control, but our conduct is in our own power.
Some years ago there was a study to discover the most stressful occupation. It turned out not to be the head of a large business, football manager or prime minister, but rather: bus driver.
Perhaps losing integrity with yourself is the greatest stress of all, far more hurtful to us than competition, time pressure, or lack of respect. Our vitality is rooted in our integrity. When we do not live in one piece, our life force becomes divided. Becoming separated from our authentic values may weaken us.
It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad, and it is better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent, but silence is better than idle words.
You're going to get hurt yourself, and badly, if you take everything so hard.
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