Fritz Kreisler, World Famous Violinist, Discovers an Exquisite Violin
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) was a world-famous violinist who earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions. He generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn’t able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase the beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay, it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner’s home and offered to buy the violin. But the collector refused to sell it. He said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it at any price. Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. He asked the collector, "Could I play the instrument just once more before it is consigned to silence?" Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector’s emotions were deeply stirred. "I have no right to keep that to myself, " he exclaimed. "It’s yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it."
As Christians we all have a symphony of beautiful news, good news in our personal possession. And there is a world of dieing people waiting to hear it. If we will not share the gospel to allow others we know to hear the good news of God, how will they ever hear it?
From a sermon by Allen Calkins, The Significance of the Gospel, 11/24/2009