The touch of the Master's hand rescues all of us

Nearly a hundred years ago (1921) a woman heard a speaker telling a group of students about God’s ability to bring out the best in people. Inspired, she went home and in 30 minutes wrote a poem which has become very well known, even being the basis of two movies.

The poem, usually called “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” was written by Myra Brooks Welch.

The poem tells of a battered old violin coming up for auction. It appeared that the auctioneer would only get $3 for the violin. But as he was about to declare the violin sold, an old man came forward and asked if he could play it. The auctioneer agreed to his request and the music was so magnificent that the selling price moved on up until the violin was sold for $3,000.

In the hands of a master violinist the true worth of the violin became evident. The poem ends with these words:

“And many a man, with life out of tune

And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd

Much like the old violin.

A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,

A game — and he travels on.

He’s going once, going twice,

He’s going and almost gone.

But the Master comes and the foolish crowd

Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought

By the touch of the Master’s and.

Maybe you or someone you know needs the touch of the Master’s hand. He still rescues people.

Dan York is pastor at Dover Community Church.