"The Beautiful People", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Star watchers. I'm not speaking of people interested in astronomy. I'm talking about people interested in people. The "Beautiful" people.

I exaggerate. Often, the so called upper crust of society and the arts are the most out of control train wrecks a human being could ever be forced to witness. There really is nothing beautiful about them other than perhaps their surgically enhanced physiques which get paraded daily in front of the media and then our eyes for perusal.

I would like to read a paper without the headline story of who is in the hospital with pneumonia, who's husband is legally restrained from seeing her because he tried to knife her, and now how he "heroically" shows up to visit her in the hospital...blah...blah...blah.

The story always stays basically the same. Just the characters change.

I have to admit, that when you put that alongside the unfolding story in Haiti, it's a tough call.

Uhh...riiiight.

Most of us will never gain that sort of status and attention. I hope most of us never want to.

However, there is a basic human need to be recognized.

Many people live long years in quiet desperation and will depart this planet without so much as a wink and a nod.

There should be some sort of reward for any person who has ever lived and died.

Well, there is. For some of us anyway.

Matt. 25:21 - "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' "

That's Jesus explaining the end of the line in a parable.

It's the great reward. It's what we who have attached ourselves to the Vine have looked forward to our entire life with Jesus.

Living is easier when you know what awaits in the next transition.

Hope beyond the grave. Acknowledgement of a life lived.

The ability to see the groveling after superficial and short lasting accolades as futile and folly in light of the eternal reward that even the great Hollywood cinematographers could not come close to.

I am sad for anyone who doesn't know Jesus. They have built their own little "bio dome" of self security. Job, family, Rotary Club, Little League...

What's left when the job says buh-bye? Or the spouse passes on? Or the children leave the nest?

Who will tell you the much needed "I love you"? Or, "Great job"!

For some...no one sadly.

For others? Jesus.

He's always there. He always has been there. He always will be there.

He's the lover of your soul.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><