#soap # Nehemiah 05 ## Title: An Audience of One ## Scripture: (Nehemiah 5:19) “Please remember me for good, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.” (NET) ## Observation: I heard the story of a young lady who was known as one of the most phenomenal pianists in the world. One night, after preparing for over a year, she hosted a concert where she would be playing some of the most complex compositions ever written. Those in the crowd were not disappointed. She was magnificent. She played and played. Several times the crowd rose to their feet in applause, amazed at her brilliance. However, as the night went on, instead of becoming more pleased with the audience’s enjoyment, the look on this young lady’s face became more desperate. She seemed to be having the opposite response of the crowd. Finally, as the last song came to an end, the crowd roared as they jumped to their feet again. What they found was the young lady didn’t celebrate with them. Her eyes were fixed on the balcony. Then, she broke. She began to cry uncontrollably with tears of joy. She smiled and finally received the applause of the crowd. Those in the crowd later realized that throughout the concert, this pianist kept looking up at her piano teacher. Though everyone else celebrated, he sat still without expression. It wasn’t until he stood and applauded that she knew she had done a good job. She was oblivious to the crowd. All she cared about was pleasing her teacher. Only he knew what she was capable of and if she had played to her best. Our life in Christ should be like this. We don’t live for the crowd. They don’t truly know us. We live for an audience of One who is standing in the balcony smiling, applauding, and cheering us on. ## Application: Remember who you are living for today. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being worth every step we take today.