A young prodigy organist stuns listeners with his masterly pipe organ performance of the classic hymn ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’
When I sit back and watch this video of young Brody Bett playing the pipe organ my heart fills with real joy. Brody sits at a huge wooden console with rows of keyboards stacked together. I was excitedly waiting to see how this young man would perform on such a massive instrument. And he does it perfectly.
He plays the classic Christian hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus. This hymn holds a deeply moving backstory. Irish poet Joseph M. Scriven wrote the words as a tender letter in 1855 to comfort his sick mother living far away. Composer Charles C. Converse later set those comforting lines to music in 1868.
The beautiful song reminds us that we have a true Friend who clearly understands what we are going through. We do not need to carry our burdens by ourselves. Jesus is waiting for us to have a talk through prayer. He is calling us to put all our worries on His shoulders so He can give us perfect peace.
Brody plays the song with natural ease moving his hands smoothly between the key manuals and using his feet on the wooden foot pedals for deep bass notes.
So who is this gifted teenager sitting at such a massive instrument? Brody was born with perfect pitch which he discovered when he was only four years old. That gift means he can hear any note and name it instantly without guessing.
By age five he was singing in a local choir. By age seven he could play full songs on the piano after listening to them just once. He fell in love with pipe organs at age six and started traveling across the country to play famous instruments like the Wanamaker Organ in Pennsylvania.
At just eleven years old Brody became the main organist and music director for Irving Park United Methodist Church in Greensboro North Carolina where he leads worship every week. He has also starred in Broadway national touring shows like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and done voiceover work for popular children’s shows on Nickelodeon and Netflix.
When I saw this young man playing that instrument with such perfection, it reminded me of how God uses a person for His glory when they use their skills according to His will.
I have seen many people who hesitate to use their God-given talents, not knowing their value and the purpose behind it. The Bible in James 1:17 says that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.”
Every person has unique talents. Maybe you believe you can preach at the church, but you are not confident about it. I am telling you, step out in faith. Do not lean on your knowledge or skill. Give it completely to God, and the Holy Spirit will guide you step by step.
Today you might be struggling to stand before ten people, but God will enable you to proclaim His goodness before ten thousand people one day.
WATCH: 15-Year-Old Organist Plays ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ at Church
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