Topic : Christ, example of
If He’s a Sacrifice
If Christ was meant just as an example, He’s over engineered—i.e. a Porsche sports car engineered to do 150 m.p.h. that can only be driven at 55 m.p.h. A good example would be Mother Teresa. She was within reach. If Christ is an example, no one needs him. If He’s a sacrifice, we all need him.
Repayment
Thou the Cross didst bear: What bear I'
Thou the Thorn didst wear: What wear I'
Thou to death didst dare: What dare I'
Thou for me dost care: What care I'
Paderewski
On one occasion the great Paderewski came to London for a piano concert. Joseph Parker, a former pastor of City Temple in London, and an accomplished musician himself, went to hear him play. The minister was so moved by what he heard that he did a very strange thing when he returned home. Standing by his piano, he called to his wife, “Bring me an ax! Today I heard great music for the first time. By comparison, what I can do amounts to nothing at all. I feel like chopping my piano to pieces.”
Although Parker did not follow through with this threat, he realized that he could never be a Paderewski by simply following his example. To do so, he would need Paderewski’s hands—yes, the very soul of the great musician.
Character of Christ
- Humble service (John 13:1-5)
- Holiness (I Peter 1:15-16)
- Righteousness (I John 3:7)
- Purity (I John 3:3)
- Love (Ephesians 5:1-2)
- Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
- Compassion (Ephesians 4:32)
- Endurance (Hebrews 12:2-4)
- Submission (I Peter 2:21-4)
- Humility, obedience (Philippians 2:5-8)
- Kindness (Luke 6:35)
- Generous giving (II Corinthians 8:1-9)
