August 26, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” -Proverbs 18:15
One of the most successful Broadway musicals of modern times is Hamilton. Arriving on Broadway in 2015, this musical took the world by storm. Within just a few short years, Hamilton collected a trophy case full of awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score, the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It remains a successful musical. It has now been on Broadway for over eleven years.
Hamilton was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It was not his first musical. Miranda first wrote In the Heights. That show also won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In the Heights was also turned into a movie. Shortly after In the Heights arrived on Broadway, Miranda began work on Hamilton. It happened as Lin-Manuel Miranda took some much-needed time away. Before leaving on vacation, Miranda stopped off in a bookstore. He decided to purchase Ron Chernow’s biography, Alexander Hamilton. He read the book several times. Miranda found inspiration in learning about one of our founding fathers.
Lin-Manuel Miranda loved the spirit of Alexander Hamilton and began bringing the story to life in music. Hamilton uses rap and traditional Broadway dance and song to tell this moving story. Miranda describes the musical as “American then, described by American now.”
The success of Hamilton is unparalleled. It continues to play in theaters worldwide. The success of this musical first comes to life because Lin-Manuel Miranda read a book. I don’t believe he read Ron Chernow’s book knowing it would become a success, but as he read, the inspiration for the show came to life. Books are filled with knowledge, stories, wisdom, and inspiration. When we read, new worlds are open to us. When was the last time you read a book? Lin-Manuel Miranda’s story reminds us that when we take time to read and learn, our minds open to new ideas and possibilities.
At St. Luke’s, we are committed to growing in our faith. We believe it is important to deepen our understanding of who God is, the world we live in, and who God has created us to be. A good place to start is reading. It is exciting to think about what inspiration might come our way as we take time to read.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
