Recently we have been inundated with death from various celebrities… including Michael Jackson and Farrah. Yes, I watched the Memorial of MJ and was wondering how I might relate this to my faith in Christ. Jesus was mentioned many times, but mostly MJ was glorified. How are “little Christs” to react to this? I believe we must stand on the Truth… But most of all be Truthful. MJ was an “intimate stranger” in my life as probably in yours. As a 7th grader, I was an “I want you back” and “ABC” and “I’ll be there” fan… As a parent of little boys in 1983, I remember watching the “Thriller” video with them as often as we could find it. They also wore one glove… silver socks with loafers… and had MJ jackets. Why are we so influenced by the culture? How can I be in the world, but not of it? Well, the best thing I can come up with is to engage it. So I will use what I have been influenced by to discuss what is relevant to the culture. In this case, death. Death is the end of physical life. Physical death results because of sin (Romans 5:12;6:23) and all men die. How can I have life? According to the Bible, Jesus is life. If He is the only one who has overcome it, then my belief in this truth is my only hope. So what does that have to do with MJ… I can remember and enjoy the music that meant a lot to me. It can also open up a dialogue to others who may wonder about death… Hosea 13:14 records…“I will ransom them from the power of the grave??; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave,? is your destruction? Jesus says… “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Therefore… the choice is yours…
The final prayer given by Pastor Lucious Smith of the Friendship Baptist Church stated in his prayer… “even now the king of pop must bow his knee to the King of Kings….” as must we all…..
Death and the Christian
