THE OSCAR

2009 July 26
by pastorwoody

The Oscar Award

 
 
The Oscar Award for acting should not be given out in Hollywood, but throughout the land to those outside of Christ, who, as Solomon observed “put up a bold front.“
 
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. (Prov 21:29)
 
On a talk show, a well-known icon of show biz and big business projected the air of self-sufficiency, and a cool togetherness that would intimidate “Rocky” of “Tinsel Town.” It was enough to make a person wonder, “Is he really that good? That together?“ I doubt it. My guess is he should get an Oscar for acting! And the fact is, he is lost!

The Prophet Isaiah described the condition of the lost as:

 

Poor

 

 

Brokenhearted

 

Captive

 

 

In darkness

 

Imprisoned

 

 

Mourning

 

In Ashes

 

Despairing

 

 

In Shame

 

 

The Prophet then spoke of Christ’s saving grace that offered them:

 

His Favor

 

His Comfort

 

 

His Beauty

 

A Heart of Gladness and Praise.

 

 

 

The demoniac and townspeople of Luke 8:26-39 graphically typify the lost who are living in chained bondage among the dead. They are isolated, self-destructive, and wrongfully fearful of what commitment to Christ might entail.

It is hard to imagine that our lost associates are in that condition as many of them brilliantly cover their “lives of quiet desperation“ with Oscar-level acting. Indeed, many are “putting up a bold front.“

So, we must not be intimidated or fooled by our lost acquaintances’ impressive pattern of life or “bold front.“ Rather, we need to comprehend the fact that behind the brouhaha may well exist people of “quiet desperation“. People who need to be liberated from their bondage to sin, into the joyful freedom found only in Christ.

Today, will you courageously choose to be His messenger of love and liberation to them?

 

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