This year marks the 300th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach, called by some the "master of masters" because his compositions inspired so many of the famous musicians who followed him.

Sebastian was born on March 21, 1685 and showed outstanding musical talent at a very young age. He was from a close-knit, musical family, but was orphaned before the age of 10. Sebastian went to live with an older brother who for a while was jealous of his obvious talent and withheld from him the difficult music of the masters. So strong was his desire to obtain this music that for man nights while his brother slept, Sebastian took the books from the library and copied the beloved music. His brother caught him in the act, however, took his music from him, and locked it up. So remarkable was Sebastian's talent, that he memorized much of the music he had copied and was able to sit down at the organ and play it by ear with the authority of a musician far beyond his years. His brother then realized that talent such as this should not silenced.

Many pages have been written about the amazing works of this musical genius and of the positions he held in many famous places. But one hears very little of the most important position he took and that was the position of a sinner. In his early teens Johann Sebastian Bach realized he was a sinner, felt his need of the Saviour and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. After he was saved, Sebastian's lifetime motto was: "The object of all music should be the glory of God." He sought to dedicate his life and talents to Christ. Frequently before he even began composing, he would write on the upper left-hand corner of his manuscripts the words "In Jesus' Name," or, "Jesus help me."

Dear friend, what type of "music" is your life producing? Is it "to the glory of God"? No matter what our occupation, "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6). Before conversion, "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" in God's sight (Isaiah 64:6). Therefore, being sinners, we need to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus who died for our sins. Then we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Eph. 2:8-10), and God can work in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). This is what Bach knew, and I pray each reader has experienced through being born again.

His first wife, Marie Barbara, bore him 7 children, 3 of whom died in infancy. Her sudden death while he was away brought great sorrow of heart to the point where his friends and family were very concerned, and wondered if he would ever find happiness again. A year later he married a beautiful soprano, Anna Magdalena. She bore him 13 children. While desiring to teach his children music, Sebastian also sought to teach them about the Lord Jesus and encouraged them in the importance of daily prayer for guidance. Four of his sons became famous composers.

Before his death on July 28, 1750, Sebastian became totally blind. In spite of his blindness he continued to make music. In his 65th year he began his last work. Before it was finished he was forced to bed with a stroke. In much pain and agony he dictated the remainder to his son-in-law. Some of the last words he dictated were:

Before Thy throne I now appear,
O Lord, bow down Thy gracious ear
To me, and cast not from Thy face
Thy sinful child that sues for grace.

Grant that in peace I close mine eyes,
But, on the last day, bid me arise,
And let me see Thy face for e'er
Amen! Amen! Lord, hear my prayer!

Shortly after the completion of this work, Johann Sebastian Bach's spirit went to be with the Lord forever in eternity to enjoy the heavenly music of his Master.

--M.S.J.

Other Articles in This Issue:
July-August 1985 Moments For You
Music: Inspiring or Degrading?
Swedish Nightingale
Rescue the Perishing
The Power of Song
The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music Answers
Life's Melody
Cheerful Music