The Oscars just happened.
It’s a big Hollywood hype fueled party /awards assembly.
The Oscars ceremony is like the Super Bowl of cinema.
Movie industry types dress up in itchy looking tuxedos and sparkly evening gowns that cost more than my car. They come together hoping to win a shiny trophy.
They might say that it’s an honor just to be nominated, but they are lying (remember, they are actors) they want to win!
They want to win an eight and a half pound trophy.
It’s no ordinary trophy…it’s a trophy with a first name, Oscar.
Oscars are shiny gold plated men.
They are supposed to be knights, personally I think they look like golden foosball men with arms.
Oscars are given to recognize excellence in movie making.
They celebrate cinematic achievements.
There are all kinds of different categories, best actor, best actress, best foreign language film about lawn furniture, best song in an animated short about gym shorts.
They are a big deal.
The winners clutch the trophies to their chests. They try to look surprised, they made hurried speeches to show their gratitude.
It’s a big deal.
But, It’s not about the gold covered chunk of metal.
They are usually won by people who can afford to buy lots of gold.
It’s not about a fourteen inch piece of precious metal.
The real value of the trophy is the achievement that it celebrates.
I have a few trophies at home, they aren’t oscars and they aren’t gold plated.
I have one for public speaking, I tied for honor camper one year, I was on a winning basketball team once.
They are mostly plastic, but they are significant to me because of the achievement they celebrate.
Each trophy has a story. Some of those stories have grass stains.
It’s cool to have trophies.
It’s even better to BE a trophy.
When I gave my life to Christ, I am transformed into a living trophy.
That means, that instead of getting a trophy that I can clutch to my chest, I become a trophy and I get clutched to the chest of God.
I am a trophy of grace
I’m a little man shaped trophy that recognizes excellence in love.
I testify to the achievement of my savior.
I point to the sight of the ugliest, ultimate victory ever…the cross.
I celebrate the greatest comeback ever, when Jesus killed death.
It’s a big deal.
He unleashed a grace that achieves what I could never could do on my own.
That makes me new.
That makes me shiny.
That makes me significant.
I’m a trophy of grace laid at the feet of my champion.
I’m not alone.
The church is meant to be a big beautiful trophy room.
“We all arrive at your doorstep sooner or later, loaded with guilt, Our sins too much for us—but you get rid of them once and for all.
Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place!
We expect our fill of good things in your house, your heavenly manse.
All your salvation wonders are on display in your trophy room.”
Psalm 65:2-5 (MSG)
carbonated joy 