"For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Yah'shua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Messiah (Christ) will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Messiah (Christ), and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labour; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Messiah (Christ), which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Yah'shua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) by my coming to you again" (Phil.1:19-26, NKJV).

The brilliant classical composer Franz Joseph Hayden was sympathetic and offered to help them out of their predicament. So he composed a unique symphony that began with a full orchestra. As the symphony progressed, fewer instruments were included in the score. One by one, as their parts were finished, the musicians took their instruments and walked off the stage.

By the end of the composition, only two musicians remained - the first and second violinists playing a beautiful duet. Fortunately, the Duke got the point. Shortly afterward, he sent the grateful musicians home. To this day, Hayden's Symphony No.45 is known as The Farewell Symphony.

All of us who serve Yahweh are a part of another farewell symphony. One by one, He calls us home but never does the music cease until all is accomplished, even though they that remain be but a tiny remnant. We must all be prepared when our exit is called. We have all known servants of El Elyon, the Most High, who have left the stage of life and soon it will be our turn. They are in a better place and if we are true to Messiah, we shall join them. There the orchestra continues playing, first with a few, and then with the full compliment of the redeemed.

We will remain until we must go, to be a blessing to those who need us and to bear fuit for the Master, but we would far rather be where the orchestra is reassembling!

See you!

Acknowledgements

[1] David C. Egner, The Farewwell Symphony, Our Daily Bread (RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan: June-August 1996), August 15.