Just Like the Father

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Whose characteristics are you displaying?

During the Thirty Year's War in Europe (1618-1648), the King of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus, was slain while his troops were winning the Battle of Lutzen, in what is now Germany. Sweden was thrown into mourning, and government officials met to determine how to replace the king. Some suggested a republic; others thought the crown should go to Adolphus' cousin, the king of Poland. This arguing went on for many hours with each man having a different opinion as to who should be crowned king.

Just then the chancellor of Sweden arose and said, “Let there be no talk of a republic or of Polish kings, for we have in our midst the heir of the great Gustavus, his little daughter, who is six years of age.” Some protested that they had never seen her. The chancellor said, “Wait a minute, and I will show you.” He brought in Christina, daughter of the king, and placed her on the throne. One of the representatives who was especially suspicious of the move pressed forward and gazed intently into her face. Then turning to the assembly, he exclaimed, “Look at her nose, her eyes, her chin! I see in the countenance of this child the features of the great Gustavus. She is the child of our king!” From all quarters of the room rang the proclamation, “Christina, Queen of Sweden!”

The reason the people of Sweden allowed Christina to be queen was because she looked just like her father. He physical characteristics positively identified her as the next heir to the throne.

Physical characteristics are many times easily seen between parents and children. And as Christians, we should take on the characteristics of our Heavenly Father. We have seen that Jesus was characterized by being humble, kind, and sacrificial.

Notice John 8:39, “They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.” The Pharisees claimed to believe in Abraham and followed him, but Jesus pointed out that their claims were nullified by their actions. They talked the talk but they didn’t walk the walk.

Think of your day yesterday or today. How would you characterize it? Focusing on being like Christ in such a hectic world can often be overwhelming, but when our hearts our right with Him, humility, kindness, and sacrifice will naturally flow through our lives!

If someone were to look at your life would they see your Father in you? Would the characteristics of Christ be so evident in your life that others can’t help but see God? Sometimes the only witness of God some people will see is your life. Take time now to seek God’s help in displaying His characteristics through your life today.


Source: Daily in the Word, August 24, 2008

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