A Prophetic Invitation: The Lord Is Calling the Faithful Ones to Play Second Fiddle

“The hardest instrument in the orchestra to play is the second fiddle” —quoted by the late Leonard Bernstein, famous conductor of the New York Philharmonic.

“ Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in humility let each esteem the other better than himself. Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

‘Would You Be Willing to Play Second Fiddle for Me?’

I sense a special invitation is going out to many in this hour who have been faithful in certain key positions and have blessed others with their giftings and callings. I see these individuals as anointed ones who have been blessed to play “first” place violin or fiddle in God’s orchestra. Let me add that when you are in first place being used as an instrument, there are times when all eyes and ears are upon you, especially when you are ministering a solo part in God’s kingdom. Pressure is on you as the enemy is working overtime against you to miss a note.

As this picture unfolded, I saw heaven’s spotlight dimming off of many first-place positions and calling many of us to greater promotions in the kingdom by humbling ourselves under someone else to help raise them up above and beyond ourselves.

Freedom and a Creative Anointing Is Rising Upon “Second” Fiddlers

It’s interesting to learn that second fiddlers actually have a greater freedom and creativity to play more notes than the solo fiddler. They are released to harmonize and do whatever they desire to make the first-place fiddler sound his very best. Though he is in the background, he often, through his creativity is the one who covers many mistakes of the one in spotlight.

Joseph was exalted to the palace to play second fiddle to Pharaoh and to all of Joseph’s family. All of Egypt heard the sound of heavenly harmony. Genesis 41:40,43 and 50:18-22

Pharaoh says to Joseph, “You will be over my house, and according to your word all my people will be ruled” (Gen. 41:40). And in verse 43, “Then he [Pharaoh] had him [Joseph] ride in the second chariot which was his” (Gen. 41:43a).

Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face and said, “We are your servants.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many lives. So now, do not fear. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father’s household, and Joseph lived one hundred and ten years (Gen. 50:18-22).

Second Fiddle Is Actually Promotion

 “For neither from the east nor west, nor from the wilderness comes victory. But God is the judge; He brings one low, and lifts up another” (Ps. 76:6-7).

I used to think that when God puts down one, it is a demotion, but not from God’s perspective. It is all part of God’s process to promote us to greater purposes. Ask Joseph how he arrived at the palace, and he will make sure you understand what the pit and the prison did to get him there, and how fast he ran to flee from Potiphar’s wife. Joseph had integrity that kept him when his God-given dream was coming to pass. His gifts and dreams brought him to the palace, but his integrity kept him there.

When God brings us low, it’s in order to raise us up higher, not in our eyes, but in His. God has many members in His body, and He won’t use us all the time. If He did, we would burn out. If you are in a low place right now, be encouraged, for you are on your way up. If you are being greatly used, don’t be surprised if the Lord chooses to bring you to a place of greater humility to refine your gift and character.

Anyone ready to play second fiddle? May Jesus have first place in all we do, and may we follow His example of lifting up others to give Him all the glory. {eoa}