The cameras were flashing. Reporters and news media crowded around “The Stars”. This is Oscar night – the night set aside to acknowledge those who were the best in the various roles and aspects of the motion picture industry. Fashion and jewelry abounded. There is high excitement and high praise. Wow!
Or, wow? Every person, whether or not they have won an Oscar, will stand before Jesus Christ. It is inevitable. I wonder how many of God’s children, if they could have their way, would trade their “sorry” lot in life to be amongst “The Stars” on Oscar night?
Do you think Jesus would have ever won an Oscar? In what role? Best Actor? In the Greek that would read “Best Hypocrite”! Do you think the woman with the broken alabaster box might have won as “Best Supporting Actress”? She wasn’t just acting, however. Perhaps Paul would have been considered for an award. After all, he hardly led a boring life! Is there an award for “Best Ark Builder”? Or for most valuable “Fool” for God? How about for the person who flees youthful lusts? While these are all winners in God’s eyes, very rarely is a hero for Jesus Christ a serious candidate for an Oscar.
Will the Oscar trophy, or any award issued by man, endure the judgment of God? Paul tells us that all who compete for a prize in the material world do so with the goal to win, but it is “a perishable crown” in contrast to the “imperishable crown” Christians are to “run” for. Scripture assures us that God “is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him,” but only what we do out of love for Jesus will enter eternity.
Many “unknowns” on earth will be well known in heaven. The stage is all set for God’s “Oscars”. The “winners” will be those who have said to Jesus: “Not my will, but Thy will be done.” The losers will be those who rejected Jesus and will hear Him say: “Now, for all eternity, your will be done.” To hear my Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” is the only “Oscar” I want for both time and eternity.
Somebody observing Mother Teresa nursing the wounds of a leper said, “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars.” To that she reportedly replied, “Neither would I.” Selah.
