Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Concerning Michael Jackson
Wow I never thought I would get so much response from a simple statement I made online.
After watching the Michael Jackson memorial service on CNN.com yesterday, I was amazed at the great adoration and praise that everyone had for what an amazing man he was. Not only from fellow entertainers, athletes, and musicians, but even from several clergy members. They said that he broke racial boundaries, revolutionized the music industry, and had a heart of gold.
I agreed with many of the sincere words that these people had to say. Jackson did leave behind a legacy as one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. His global impact in this way was quite amazing. But I'm not so sure he was as much of a "saint" as people made him out to be.
However, as the memorial service ended at the Staples Center, I couldn't help but feel deeply troubled by the situation. Not necessarily grief that he had died, but more disappointment at how a man of such talent lived a very troubled life. As they carried him away in his golden casket, it reminded me of how the Bible talks about how empty all of this life's riches and accolades are in the end. Michael Jackson made millions of dollars each year on his music (plus the rights he owned to half of the Beatles catalogue), however he still died deeply in debt. It is a text-book example of how all the money in the world cannot buy happiness and peace, and reminded me of Jesus words:
Michael Jackson gained enormous success, money, and respect from this world, but did he forfeit his soul? I am in no way suggesting that he is "going to hell" or "deserved to die". I didn't even mention any of the things that he did or did not do regarding his child molestation charges. I was simply pondering a life of fame and fortune, but void of God.
None of us can judge or condemn him regarding his eternal home. I am simply saddened by a life that had so much, but seemed so empty. Even if he was the King of Pop, this made no difference when he stood before the King of Kings.
After watching the Michael Jackson memorial service on CNN.com yesterday, I was amazed at the great adoration and praise that everyone had for what an amazing man he was. Not only from fellow entertainers, athletes, and musicians, but even from several clergy members. They said that he broke racial boundaries, revolutionized the music industry, and had a heart of gold.
I agreed with many of the sincere words that these people had to say. Jackson did leave behind a legacy as one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. His global impact in this way was quite amazing. But I'm not so sure he was as much of a "saint" as people made him out to be.
However, as the memorial service ended at the Staples Center, I couldn't help but feel deeply troubled by the situation. Not necessarily grief that he had died, but more disappointment at how a man of such talent lived a very troubled life. As they carried him away in his golden casket, it reminded me of how the Bible talks about how empty all of this life's riches and accolades are in the end. Michael Jackson made millions of dollars each year on his music (plus the rights he owned to half of the Beatles catalogue), however he still died deeply in debt. It is a text-book example of how all the money in the world cannot buy happiness and peace, and reminded me of Jesus words:
"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36)
Michael Jackson gained enormous success, money, and respect from this world, but did he forfeit his soul? I am in no way suggesting that he is "going to hell" or "deserved to die". I didn't even mention any of the things that he did or did not do regarding his child molestation charges. I was simply pondering a life of fame and fortune, but void of God.
None of us can judge or condemn him regarding his eternal home. I am simply saddened by a life that had so much, but seemed so empty. Even if he was the King of Pop, this made no difference when he stood before the King of Kings.
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