We live in the time of the celebrity. Virtually everyone, including myself, have certain figures that we look up to and, if we are being honest, even idolize. Our celebrities come in all shapes and sizes, we have favorite movie stars, singers, sports figures, statesmen and politicians, writers, journalists, and even religious figures. And at times we have all fantasized what it would be like to meet or to spend some time with one of these people that we have placed on a pedestal.
For eleven years I crisscrossed this country with a vintage car race called The Great Race. For my first six years with the race, I was the public address announcer who introduced the drivers and navigators of the old cars to tens of thousands of people who came out to see the old cars at twenty-eight stops, in both large cities as well as the small towns of rural America. Along the way, various celebrities came out to make an appearance. I was the one who introduced them to the crowds. I’ve introduced governors, sports icons, country music stars, film stars, many Miss Whoever’s, sashes, tiaras, and all, of the various states that we visited, and there were many, many more. Was it fun? Sure, it was. Three of my most memorable meetings? Tom Osborne, coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Lee Greenwood as he sang, I’m Proud to be an American, standing at my side. Governor George Allen who spent three hours with me in Virginia, personally shaking the hands of every driver and navigator of the 120 cars that were competing in the race.
However, over the past fifty-two years, no one has wowed me, thrilled me, and left me standing in awe at his choosing me to be his friend, than Jesus Christ, my Savior, and the Lord of my life.
I have met many noted politicians and statesmen, but Jesus is the King of all Kings. When I go to prayer, I am conscious of the fact, that I am conversing with God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. When I pick up His Word, the Holy Bible, my hands tend to tremble and my heart begins to race as I am then and there, in those pages, sitting down face to face with the one who is Lord of all Lords.
All of us would jump at the chance to visit the White House at a President’s invitation, no matter which party was represented. To get through that front door, many points of protocol would have to be met. But to enter the throne room of the universe, I need no invitation, for I have been given the password. Father, I come into Your presence in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Lord. I have yet to be turned away and He has never said, “I’m sorry, I just don’t have time for you today.” I am welcomed and I can stay as long as I please. And the funny thing is, the longer I spend there, more I want to be there.
The cry of the Psalmist’s heart was, “One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4).
I don’t know if you have noticed, but celebrities tend to come and go. Beauty fades, hard bodies become soft and flabby, strong voices grow weak, heads that were once covered by thick and wavy hair are now bald. Of this fact, the Bible says, “Though the outer man is decaying, the inner man is being renewed day by day” (II Corinthians 4:16). That daily inner renewal is the result of a relationship with the One, of who the Bible says is the same yesterday, today, and yes forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Now there is a celebrity who never changes, never ages, and who will never let you down or disappoint. So, fix your eyes on Jesus, the one who is the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).