There Is Something Wrong Here!
Roger A. Rush
The death of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was headline news, not simply the day he died, but for several days after his passing. His public memorial cost the city of Los Angeles 1.4 million dollars. More than thirty-four million people watched the memorial on television. There was something about all the attention given to Michael’s death that just did not seem right to me. What should we learn from his passing?
The coverage of his death demonstrated just how out of balance the world’s priorities really are. Michael Jackson was an entertainer, and he was paid very well for what he did. He did not die in the war on terror defending freedom. Yet, since 9/11, many have, but their heroic and self-sacrificing deaths have not been honored with the kind of outpouring of love and appreciation manifested at Michael’s passing, and certainly not the kind of positive press Michael’s passing was given. He did not lose his life in a far off third world country reaching out to the sick and impoverished, but many have without any pubic acknowledgement of their sacrifice. There are policemen, firemen, construction workers, and others dying tragically every day with little notice. Therefore, Michael’s death reminds us once more just how misplaced society’s priorities really are (Matthew 16:26).
His death reminds us of the uncertainty of life. He was only fifty. That really is not old! However, life comes with no guarantees. The Bible tells us that the average lifespan is seventy years (Psalm 90:10). Some live longer, and some die sooner, but all die!
Michael was rich, famous, and powerful, but he did not possess enough wealth, fame, or power to elude death. No one does! The New Testament says, “… it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). If you are not prepared for death, you need to get prepared, and if you are ready you need to stay ready.
As I write this, the exact cause of his death is still unknown. However, it can be said with a reasonable degree of certainty that Michael’s lifestyle choices certainly played a factor in his passing, especially his apparent overuse of prescription drugs. Here we are again reminded that choices have consequences. Bad choices result in negative consequences. We really do reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7, 8).
Michael’s death brought forth genuine grief, but that should be true of anyone’s passing. Every life counts for something, not just the lives of the rich and famous. In the eyes of God, every life is precious. Jesus lived and died for all men (John 3:16, 17). God takes special notice of the passing of His saints (Psalm 116:15). We would be wise to keep that in mind as we contemplate what really matters in this life! -534 6th St., Marietta, OH 45750. (740) 373-3240. rogerrush@juno.com