MJ 4 Billie Jean Michael Jackson died yesterday.  He was 50 years old.  May God grant mercy and comfort to MJ’s family in their time of grief.  Certainly they need the comfort only He can give.

I remember him first as one of the Jackson 5 in the late 60s with a string of hits.  In the late 70s he began his solo career that saw him rise to the pinnacle of pop music to the point of being the self declared King of Pop in the 1980s.  I sang with many of his more popular songs many times.  he was indeed a great entertainer.  His fame grew faster and higher than anyone could ever have imagined.

Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?  Or what shall a man give in return for his life?

MJ 2He made more money that anyone could ever have imagined… millions… hundreds of millions.  He made more money than his children’s children could have spent… that is… until his world began to crumble.

Mark 10:24 But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!  25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”  26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God.  For all things are possible with God.”

Reportedly MJ was brought up in the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith but converted to the Muslim faith later in life.  Either way MJ is in direct contradiction with Biblical Salvation…

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…

MJ 1 Statue As I watched and listened to the reaction of many regarding MJ’s death, I realized something about Americans.  We don’t have a problem worshipping, our problem is directing our worship toward the right person. If/when you see footage of one of MJ’s concerts in the coming days, take a look at the fans if possible.  They are frantically worshipping him, even though they don’t know it.  Some of the fans are hyper-excited… crying… screaming… wild-eyed… and lost in the emotion of the moment.

It is fair to say that to many MJ is a god (Little “g”).  His fans will drive hours to attend a concert… spend outrageous sums of money for a ticket… pay top dollar for a T-shirt or other paraphernalia… and will go into deep mourning now that he has died.  If that isn’t worshipping, I don’t know what is.

On the other hand… what is encouraging is seeing other young people devoted to Christ.  They are willing to suffer ridicule from their peers for not following the crowd of debauchery and sin.  It is a blessing to see young adults bringing their Bibles to church and raising their children to follow Christ.  It is a blessing to see senior adults who have lived for Jesus 60… 70… or in one case I know of, 103 years!

I pray that it is a long time before Dr. Billy Graham passes away… but there will be a decided contrast between what people will say about him versus MJ.  Those who speak of Dr. Graham will point to a life that honored God and glorified Him rather than himself.  Again… the comparison will be noticeable.

One thing is sure, MJ has now stepped into eternity… and he will have to face God… as we all will one day.  Unless you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your savior, you will be separated forever from God.