Today, the world honored Michael Jackson. And I, too, mourned.
Not because I’m a fan. I’m not. Don’t get me wrong, I listened to his music. I respect his talent and was in awe of his skill as an entertainer.
Not necessarily because his children have lost their father. Again, don’t get me wrong, I know firsthand the pain and feeling of loss from losing my father suddenly. The shock of losing him to a heart attack. The grief of losing my dad too young…and the empty place that’s left behind for a lifetime. Regardless of Michael’s eccentricities, he was a father to three children who are now left to look to others to fill that void in their lives.
Not even because his family lost a brother, an uncle, a son. Though I was touched by the images of the brothers all wearing one silver-studded glove, and I can empathize with their grief, that is not what made me most sad.
No, it was because of worship.
As I saw the images of grief-stricken mourners from around the world, I witnessed the power of worship. As I read the emails, text messages, tweets, wall posts, and other written memorials shared on social networking sites, I realized the passion of worship. As I listen to the media review, recap, reiterate, and regurgitate the final moments of Michael Jackson’s life, the legacy he leaves, the life he lived, the music he created, I see the devotion of worship.
And it’s all meaningless.
It’s all for a man. A troubled, tormented, talented soul. Someone who spent his life seeking an elusive peace he never found. Someone who lived such a bewildering personal existence that he made himself fodder for late-night talk show hosts and comedians across the country. Someone who was so conflicted internally that he spent thousands of dollars to re-invent his appearance. Someone who so craved his lost childhood that he created his own personal playground. Someone who sought peace…contentment…and love, and never found it.
Is a person of this ilk worthy of our worship? Hardly. Yet thousands – dare I say millions? – adored him. Followed him. Spent everything for a glimpse, a touch, a chance to be in his presence.
And I’m humbled by their abandonment. Their commitment. Their passion. Their devotion. Their love.
You see, I have a Hero far greater than Michael Jackson. A Hero that is truly worthy of my worship. A Hero that lived a life a far cry from the glamour and fame of Michael Jackson. A Hero who also died an untimely death. A Hero who paid the penalty for my shame, my sin, my unworthiness. A Hero who, unlike Michael Jackson, did not stay buried.
And I wonder: do I worship Him the way these fans worshiped Michael Jackson? Do I honor Him and give Him a place of reverence and preeminence in my life? Am I willing to do anything it takes to be in His presence and receive a touch, a word, a glimpse from Him? Do I live a life of full-out devotion for Him, not caring what others may think?
The world mourns the loss of Michael Jackson. I weep for the realization that like his many fans, I have too often placed my worship on false gods. May I keep my focus on the one Hero that is truly worthy of my worship.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3erv0Ezed7M&feature=PlayList&p=27CC35D8CB653095&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=62[/youtube]
You can say that again and again!! For me it was the death of “Elvis the king†that made me stop and look myself in the mirror. And ask do I Worship my King like these people worship theirs? Do I tell of my King’s hard upbringing like they tell of theirs? Do I share His great words of His great gift my salvation like they mourn for this mere man? And you know what, I didn’t but now I try to do His will and share His word more. However when I see this type of Worship for a mere man/boy it still hurts my heart and I mourn for the lost of yet another False leader to lost souls, and Pray for them with all my heart that they will have a true Heart for Worship and that the lost are truly found by my Father Jesus Christ. Who willing died for us sinner all. So thank you for the reminder of True Worship and our True Father