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.
Oh, you weak, beautiful people who give up with such grace. What you need is someone to take hold of you--gently, with love, and hand your life back to you, like something gold you let go of--and I can! I'm determined to do it--and nothing's more determined than a cat on a tin roof--is there?
I don't want them to read what I'm writing and say, 'I think that's right,' and agree with me. I want them to read something and then walk away and be haunted by it.
It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it.
People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.
No enemy is indeed so terrible as a man of genius.
Words without actions are the assassins of idealism.
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