The Greatest Host of All Time

Thursday, January 6th, 2010

Today's Passage: 1 Peter 2: 4-12
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2: 9

There's a word in our society that's considered more of a household word than many of us would care to admit.  Over the last 20 years, Oprah has made quite a following for herself as people from all walks of life hang on to her every word.    As much as I find it difficult to believe that this lady isn't receiving idol worship (which is another blog), I do find something about her very fascinating.

There are a group of people -- about four hundred, to be exact-- who surround Oprah daily and promote what has now become a multi-million-dollar industry.  They are the producers, assistants and attendants who've spent the same length of time as her talk show career studying her philosophy of life, and learning everything there is to know about her in order to reproduce what she desires to accomplish through her show.  And everyday, they consult with her to give as well as receive input on ideas for the show, aware that only the ideas she approves of will go through.

I watched an episode of the long process that all the crew of Oprah's show have to do in order to present her to her viewers.  It ranged from traveling far or near to make contact with potential guests on the show, to working on gift surprises for the guests which had to be just right and meaningful enough.  Their job responsibilities are also to prepare the guests for their encounter with Oprah before the show.  They go through "hype" sessions, I guess you could call them, in which they're reminded of what a privilege it is to be on the show, as well as when and how often to applaud when the show starts.

Then, when the anticipated moment arrives and she steps onto the scene, every single producer and assistant fades into the background, content to watch her soak up the limelight and praise for all the work that's been done.  Sort of sounds like who we are for the Lord and His kingdom.  We are the producers, attendants and assistants who spend all our lives studying Him and what He wants for the show.  We go out, making Him famous and preparing others to have encounters with Him.  We equip and teach them to worship Him, and then fade into the background when He shows up.  Do we get rewarded for all this?  You bet.  Places, everyone.  The greatest Host of all time awaits.

Prayer: Father, I will never stop thanking You for digging me out of the pit and preparing me for good works in You.  May my life forever reflect Your will.  May I never tire of promoting, publishing, and declaring Your goodness all my days.  I remain totally devoted to Your purpose on this earth.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.