Bill Crockett: Touch of the Master's Hand
The "Touch of the Master's Hand" is a Christian poem written in 1921 by Myra Brooks Welch. It is depicted in the painting by Ken Brooks used in our Podcast cover art. It tells of an old, battered violin that is about to be sold as the last item in an auction. The highest bid was $3. When suddenly a man in the back of the auction hall walked to the front of the building, took the violin from the auctioneer, wiped off the dust, tuned it and began to play. As he played, the patrons could hardly believe that such a melody could come from such a battered instrument. The violinist finished playing, handed the instrument back to the auctioneer, and walked back to his seat. Amazed and astonished the auctioneer softly said, "Now how much am I bid for this violin?" Instead of $3, the violin was sold for $3,000. The crowd asked, "What was it that suddenly brought value to such a battered instrument?" The auctioneer replied, "It was the touch of the master's hand!" The poem goes on to draw the analogy between the violin and a person whose life has been battered and torn by sin. Just as the master violinist brought value to the old violin, Jesus, our Creator, the Master of the universe and lover of our soul, will make our lives valuable, no matter how battered we may be! Bill Crockett has a masters degree in Biblical Exposition and has served as an evangelist, pastor, counsellor and Bible Conference speaker across the US and in many countries. Bill also worked in corporate sales and sales management for almost 25 years. Having experienced divorce, the loss of a job, death of an immediate family member and depression to the point of suicide, he understands the ups and downs of life. At one point feeling as if God did not love or care about him, he discovered the true meaning of a personal walk with God and found renewed purpose and value as God touched his life once again! "Touch of the Master's Hand" is a podcast sharing practical truths from the Bible that will help us realize our value and live productive and fulfilled lives as we are touched by the truth of God's Word.
