And the winner is...
Roll out the red carpet, it’s award season! The Grammy’s recently took place in America. Next week it’s the Bafta’s in London and the Oscar’s take place in March in Los Angeles.
The press love to photo the stars of music and cinema as they parade and pose in amazing, and sometimes ridiculous outfits! It seems to me that the more you dress outrageously the higher your chances of being front page headlines and top social media posts.
The celebrities love the camera and the attention. It’s all very controlled and staged, with publicists guiding the stars for the right interview and photo opportunity.
Having said that, I do think it is good to recognise and honour hard work, technical and creative skill and talent. After all, I for one, love listening to music and watching movies!
These events are very public spectacles and can seem to be a bit remote from what is going on in the world. They can also seem to be a long way from the days of when Jesus walked on the earth.
I think Jesus must have been the biggest celebrity in his day. The Bible records how thousands of people followed him wherever he went.
In the book of Matthew, in the Bible, Jesus told a story about a king. The king said to his people that when he was hungry, some fed him; when he was thirsty, some gave him a drink; when he was a stranger, some invited him in; when he needed clothes, some clothed him; when he was sick, some cared for him; when he was in prison, some visited him!
The response of the people was, ‘when was this?’ And he replied…
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
In this story Jesus was highlighting the importance of seemingly small, unseen things. These acts of kindness listed are not very glamorous, even a bit dull!
What is important to Jesus is different to what we may think is important. What may seem insignificant and trivial is big with Jesus.
Anyone who acts with mercy, care and compassion, and does it unnoticed, is seen by Jesus and he loves it! It’s as if it is being done to Him.
I wonder what an award ceremony may look like for all those who did something for the least of people? Would you and I be on that red carpet?
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader