The Unseen Damage

We don't know when it started. The leak was from the roof in the north tower of the church. And in the north tower, under the upper chamber, is housed our organ. Gradually it effected the organ itself. Now the organ of St. Paul's is silenced. The pipes can no longer issue their clarion call. They've been dismantled and stacked in the balcony. Christmas this year will be sans organ.

It was an image to me of the way sin effects us. We imagine that the sins we do really don't effect a thing. But that's not true. They damage us - each and every one. Like the water pouring in and hardening leather and rusting steel and finally silencing the music raised to the praise of God, so our sins do to us.

There really is only one answer for St. Paul's organ. The roof will have to repaired, the chamber cleaned, and the organ reconstructed. It will take time and effort and it will cost a bit. So it is with the healing from sin: it costs a bit. Just as the insurance company will foot the bill at St. Paul's, so our Lord footed the bill. The damage is all ours, but the healing will come from him. St. Paul's organ is helpless to fix itself; and so are we. But in mercy Christ begins and carries through the work of restoration. In this age, we'll never be restored to perfect pitch, but that's because in this age His work on us is never finished, but He promises that there will come a new day for us - a day when all the damage will be repaired and we'll be able to sound forth the praises of God as we were made to do.

Meanwhile, we live in the days of healing and restoration. And it's painful, and costly, and the damage done by our sin is real - both in us and in others. But thanks be to God, the Master Builder isn't finished with us yet!