Silvio Berlusconi Comments

What I know about Italian politics would fit quite easily on the back of the proverbial postage stamp. However, I do know that Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi appears greatly confused in his understanding of the One who rules the nations, the Lord Jesus Christ. The multi millionaire media mogul turned politician has on several occasions compared himself to the Lord Jesus Christ, even calling himself "the Jesus Christ of politics." The BBC news reported him as saying that he has "suffered like Jesus Christ for Italy." On another occasion he allegedly compared himself to Christ with the comment that he too was a "patient victim sacrificing himself for everyone." Obviously Silvio Berlusconi seems unaware of what the Scripture says regarding the suffering of the Lord. What physical agony Christ endured on that cruel Roman cross. That agony however paled into insignificance compared to the agony of soul when He cried, My God, My God why have you forsaken Me? At that moment the Lord's suffering was at its peak as He bore in His body the sins of many and suffered the punishment of separation from God that was due to others. Never was the Lord a "tireless victim." All that happened to Him on that cross He willingly allowed to happen. Every moment He was in control of. No victim cries out loudly as He did - It is finished. It is not a victim but a victor who says, Into your hands I commit My spirit. As to whether Christ's sacrfice was for everyone - the Scripture is clear on this too. Not long before He died He made it clear that He was the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for HIS SHEEP. Yes His sacrifice on Calvary was so enormous that it would have been sufficient to cover over all. But in the sovereign plans of God it was decreed to be efficient only for the sheep that the Father had given to the Son from before time began.
As men and women turn from their sin and trust in Christ alone to rescue them from the holy wrath of God they will find that they are amongst the sheep in God's flock. This good news is not just for Italians - because Christ suffered, died and rose not just for Italy but for the world.