J. S. Bach: Soli Deo Gloria - To the Glory of God Alone, Part II
 The
Bach family enjoys a musical evening. Johann is surrounded by several
of his 20 children.
"Jesus Help Me"
Even though the Duke gave Johann the freedom to write what he wanted,
Johann never forgot that it was God who made the music through him. Whenever
he began a new piece, he bowed his head and prayed. "Jesus, help me show
your glory through the music I write. May it bring you joy even as it
brings joy to your people." Without Jesus' help, Johann knew he'd never
be able to complete the task. Before writing even one note, Johann carefully
formed the letters J J at the top of the page. With that, the music began
to pour from his soul and onto the page. When he was finally satisfied,
he wrote the letters SDG at the bottom of the page. He hoped that when
the music was played, it would point toward God.
To the Glory of God Alone
People today know that Bach was one of the most brilliant composers ever.
Although the peace he found at Weimar did not last, it gave him temporary
relief from the problems he experienced earlier. Instead of having to
please the whole church with the music he wrote, he only had to please
the Duke. But while the people of his day recognized Bach as a great organist,
they never accepted him as a great composer. When he died in 1750, his
music was considered old fashioned, and had been forgotten by most people.
It was not until almost 80 years later that his music was rediscovered.
In 1829, the composer Felix Mendelssohn found a copy of Bach's St. Matthew
Passion (the story of Jesus' crucifixion and death) and decided to perform
it.
 The
people who heard this performance of Bach's music loved it! They wondered
why his music had been forgotten. Now that people knew about Bach's music,
they began performing it at concerts and in churches around the world.
Bach became more famous a hundred years after his death than he had ever
been while he was alive. But he never desired to become famous. His desire
was to glorify God. Today his music is played and studied around the world.
It is used in nearly every Christian denomination. It's safe to say that
many people now agree that Bach's music truly is "to the glory of God
alone!"
Make It Real!
Questions to make you dig a little deeper and think a little harder.
- How can you follow Bach's example and do all for the glory of God?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31 and find some of the ways you can do this.
- Johann expressed his thoughts and feelings through music. What are
some ways you use to express yourself?
- Bach's music was never really appreciated by the people of his time.
Do you think he was discouraged by this?
- God gave Bach a special talent for music. He developed that talent
by practicing diligently. What talent has God given you, and how are
you developing your talent?
- Suggested reading:
- Sebastian by Jeanette Winter (Browndeer Press, Harcourt
Brace & Company)
- Websites:
- Video/DVD:
- Glory to God Alone: J. S. Bach (Order from Vision Video, 1-800-523-0226
or www.visionvideo.com)
- Activities:
Return to Part One of this Johann Sebastian Bach
"Glimpses for Kids" children's worship bulletin insert.
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