We
are destined to have relationships as we walk this planet. Even those
who are more reclusive, on occasion interact with the outside world.
These relationships have the opportunity to impact and yes, even
transition our lives. In recent years, acceptance by peers has become a
trendy topic by those in the psychological field as it relates to human
development. The esteemed psychologists here at Tuesday's Musical
Notes have come to a differing conclusion: those with whom you have
relationship should not go about trying to change you more into their
image. In essence, they should take you...
His career in the music industry started when he was only 16. He joined a cover band called The Echoes in 1965. After very little recording and even less success, he joined a psychedelic, acid rock band called The Hassles. 2 albums later, he and The Hassles drummer formed the heavy metal band Attila. Yes, Billy Joel was in a heavy metal band. After Attilla broke up, He recorded 4 solo albums that included singles that would get a little attention, but nothing that seemed to bring Billy Joel, the breakout hit he needed. Not even his "Piano Man" album really did much at the time of its release.
Then along came "The Stranger". It was Billy Joel's breakout album. It went to #2 on the album charts and stayed there for 6 weeks. Many of the songs are still heard to day on "classic", code for "oldies", rock stations. One of the songs even won the Grammy for song of the year in 1979....."Just The Way You Are". It is a song that speaks of the unconditional love that the singer has for his true love. It was written for Joel's wife, who happened to also be his manager at the time.
"Just The Way You Are" would pave the way for the most successful time of Billy Joel's life. It set up chart successes in the '70's, '80's, and '90's and assisted in Joel selling 150 million records worldwide. Although he has continued to tour, (selling out venues world wide) Billy Joel has not had a release of a new material, Pop/Rock album since 1993's River of Dreams, whose title track went to #3 and stayed for 6 weeks just like today's feature song. It was also his last top ten single. He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1999 and in 2013 was the recipient of The Kennedy Center Honors for influencing American culture through the arts. Needless to say, Billy Joel still is an attraction as an entertainer.
What is it that attracted so many people to Jesus in the beginning of His ministry? Remember the crowds that He taught on the mountainsides around the Sea of Gallilee? (The Gospel Of Jesus according to the disciple Matthew: 5-7 New International Version Of The Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible parallel) How about the thousands that He fed at one of those same "mountain top" experiences. (Matthew 14:13-18 NIV/The Message parallel) Folks just wanted to be around Jesus! I have a firm conviction that this attraction was due to the fact that Jesus wasn't concerned about their past, only their future. He didn't worry about the kind of robe they were wearing, but the robe He would clothe them with in Heaven. He wasn't in awe of the wealth and prosperity that some of them had, but He wanted to teach them how to store up treasure in heaven. He did this by being the only person in the history of mankind to love unconditionally. In short, Jesus never met a stranger. He even knows The Stranger that came along in 1977. (Billy Joel claims to be an atheist, despite being drawn to the culture of his Jewish background. Pray that someone will have the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus with Billy Joel so, unlike what his lyrics state in "The River Of Dreams", he CAN become sure about life after this)
Jesus loves us regardless of our success or failures. There is nothing we can change about ourselves that would cause Jesus to love us differently. He wants us to come to Him for salvation exactly how we are. He wants us to surrender to His will regardless of our past. He wants to work through us to use our gifts, skills, abilities, and everything else we have to offer regardless how "unclean" we may feel or "unworthy" the enemy tells us we are. We can do nothing for our salvation. Jesus did it all. He promises to transform us into His likeness as we do the things He instructs us to do through Holy Spirit. The Bible refers to these as the good works that He already has ordained for us to do. Ephesisans 2 NIV/The Message parallel The only thing we need to do is come....."Just the way we are"
"I would not leave you, in times of trouble,
We never could have come this far,
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times,
I'll take you just the way you are.........
......I said I love you, and that's forever,
And this I promise from the heart,
I couldn't love you, any better,
I love you just the way you are."
'Til Tuesday,
Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy
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