As you may know, The Academy Awards (popularly known as the Oscars) took place days ago. This coveted award stands as the pinnacle achievement of artistic and technical merit in the film industry. But what you may have missed were the less-than-Oscar worthy moments of frustration occurring behind the scenes of that lavish red carpet. Bloopers are the precursor to moments of glory, and COVID-19 changes led to strife and dismal ratings.
Likewise, behind the pomp and circumstance of the Beijing Winter Olympics, the contestants endured oppressive solitude and daily testing, wondering whether they would be permitted to compete after risking it all to be there. Tears, anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and smothering fear hid under the façade of courage. Only selected few spectators were allowed to attend, so I can only imagine the anticlimactic atmosphere in that stadium.
Spring gardens (and social media posts) boast beauty and abundance. Yet behind those picket fences, manicured lawns, "perfect" marriages, and filtered images are storm survivors. Beneath the masks are weary warriors, projecting silent strength in the face of fear. Beyond the bad news is a place of peace only found in His presence. Behind a torn veil, your Father beckons you to sit at His feet and rest your head on His chest. Cry if you must.
Public moments of triumph are often preceded by private moments of agony. Scenes can be altered to offer a fresh perspective, but only the most naïve would ignore the editing, smoke and mirrors that change a house of horrors into a castle fit for a king. The Garden of Gethsemane was a time of prevailing prayer, yet the same disciples who were expected to support Jesus were privy to ugly moments of intense frustration. Intimacy equals access.
The public Jesus drew crowds, but the private Jesus endured motherly lectures, and listened intently to the rabbis before making his debut into adulthood. The private Jesus spent time alone to gather strength before ministering to the masses and chose to be vulnerable with His closest friends. He cursed a fig tree when expectations and reality collided. By way of the cross, we have entered behind the veil, and we are trusted friends instead of strangers.
There is victory behind the scenes. Something imperceptible is taking place under the soil when a garden looks barren. The words of Jesus had been dismissed by the religious leaders of the day who labeled Him a "heretic." But something was happening behind a heavy stone as the first rays of sunlight made their way into a darkened tomb. Our destiny was forever changed on a Sunday morning because of what happened behind the scenes. Tell someone!
Point to Ponder: Backstage moments that take place outside of the public eye have the greatest impact. You have a VIP pass and insider information on the crisis. He is Risen!
Clearly, you are a God who works behind the scenes, God of Israel, Savior God.
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