Death occurs every day…
But when very famous people die, death seems to get special treatment. Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon died within a matter of days. The cable news channels are consumed with reporting the news about these famous people.
Listen closely to what people say as they comment about the dead this week. You won’t hear much (if anything) about heaven, faith, salvation, or Jesus. You’ll hear about successful careers, years of celebrity status, photo shoots, posters, TV appearances, super-star status, fortune, fame, concerts, and trials. Makes me think. I hope it makes you think, too.
Hebrews 9:27 – “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
I extend my sympathy to the families of these icons. Grief is thorny and can be consuming.
I also remind everyone of the brevity of life and the importance faith in Jesus Christ, which not only makes life worth living, but also brings hope when death knocks on the door.
MHR,
Your perspective on these icons deaths is so right on...fame and fortune mean nothing if Christ is not Lord!! I did hear that Farah Fawcett spoke openly about her faith in her last days...I am not sure if it was faith in Jesus, but prayerfully it was. I know M.J. was a Jehovah Witness.
Posted by: Sandy | Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 06:12 PM
Bill, Thank you for posting this blog. I was really thinking the same thoughts, but since you have posted them here, there is no need to blog about it again. The death rate for people is pretty high - 1 in 1 die (with the small acception of a few in the OT!). What will we do with our life today that will count for eternity? Only in Jesus Christ can we find fulfillment, peace, joy, mercy and right relationship with the God of the Universe. These three deaths remind me of the shortness of life and the importance to live passionately for Christ! Entertainment is fun and I have enjoyed the MJ music over the years, but if not connected to Christ it is pretty shallow and just temporary. Living for Christ is eternal. Thanks for posting!
Posted by: Jeff Baxter | Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 07:58 PM
I have heard interviews with Farrah in recent years in which she professed a relationship with God. Not a personal salvation in Jesus Christ, but I'm sure hoping she's in His arms tonight.
Posted by: Amy | Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:11 PM
You always hope that all that die are with the Lord. We know, however, that this is not the case with everyone. It truly is sad, and we need to remember that we all die, and we need to live for Jesus Christ while we are here, pointing others to Jesus so that they will live.
Posted by: Tim Valentine | Monday, June 29, 2009 at 07:10 PM
Having nearly died 10 years ago, at age 50, due to a botched heart surgery, I found myself caught up in the death of Michael Jackson. I was never a fan, though I recognize his great talent musically.
And then came the memorial service. With the testimonies in music from Andre Crouch's Gospel Choir singing "Soon and Very Soon, and Lionel Richie with "Jesus is Love", a Church service began to unfold. "I do know that God is good," singer Stevie Wonder said before launching into an emotional rendition of his 1971 song, "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer. Then there was verbal testimony, particularly from Smokey Robinson and the Rev. Lucious Smith.
All-in-all, the memorial broadcast the Gospel across continents into Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist strongholds and to people who have no faith at all.
I don't know how all this came about, except for God superintending the event. May His name be exalted around the world. May the human race see Jesus.
Phil Rieke,
Watauga, TX.
Posted by: Phil Rieke | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 11:01 PM