Thanks to you who posted your comments and insights regarding the passing of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. All input is greatly appreciated. Others offered your insight via the Facebook link.
Some expressed grief that Mr. Jackson apparently gave no evidence, words or deeds, of being a genuine, biblical follower of Jesus Christ. Others communicated an attitude of “good riddance,” pointing in effect to the laws of sowing and reaping and judgment to come. Some remarked on the certainty of death that comes to us all, rich or poor, famous or unknown. Some shared verses of scripture that have relevance to this situation.
Few, though, followed up on my real question – why do certain individuals become such a global sensation? What is it about them that causes others so adore them (some fanatically), overlooking their many and obvious flaws? My desire was in no way to hold up Mr. Jackson as a positive role model, pass judgment on his walk with God or the lack thereof, but simply to ponder why a handful of individuals become such a phenomenon and others are overlooked.
I thought Greg dealt with this as well as anyone (myself included) in a poignant summary:
Can we call this “Lessons to Live By”? Michael Jackson worked and played hard, made a great sum of money (and spent more), and had the fame that people only dream of – Yet did you ever feel like there was contentment and peace in his life? Our faith in Christ offers so much more and we are all celebrities in the eye of God.
Greg is a friend from High School and I had to give him some play. 
Seriously, his thoughts were great. Another High School friend, Tina, who sometimes makes celebrity appearances in this blog, had some interesting thoughts on her own blog. You can see for yourself right here. For those of you who can handle the Spanish, Lucas Leys dealt with precisely the same theme on my mind - What was it that made Michael Jackson so influential? – only he did a much better job than I did. Really. His is a very good, well-written post. But, then again, he’s one very smart Dude!
Now, what is so fascinating about all the hoopla surrounding Mr. Jackson’s passing – and in no way do I mean to minimize or trivialize either his life or death – is the way this story has dominated the global press. We will continue to be blanketed by coverage until the toxicology reports come in two or three weeks from now.
Meanwhile, what is happening in Iran? Have the protesters given up their anger and gone home to drink tea? What is really going on in this strategic nation that will influence many global events? Has anyone noticed that there are crucial elections happening in Argentina and Honduras that will undoubtedly affect their neighbors? What about the wild man in North Korea and his chest-thumping threats against Japan and the United States? Has anyone heard what’s going on in Somalia lately? Has anyone considered how all of the above may affect the work of God’s kingdom?
As we speaking of Michael Jackson’s death, I think back over some of the other items I have posted in just the past two weeks. Several missionaries have been martyred. A trusted servant has been beaten and imprisoned. As Greg reminded us, these are the real celebrities in God’s eyes.
MJ, K of P – Update
Thanks to you who posted your comments and insights regarding the passing of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. All input is greatly appreciated. Others offered your insight via the Facebook link.
Some expressed grief that Mr. Jackson apparently gave no evidence, words or deeds, of being a genuine, biblical follower of Jesus Christ. Others communicated an attitude of “good riddance,” pointing in effect to the laws of sowing and reaping and judgment to come. Some remarked on the certainty of death that comes to us all, rich or poor, famous or unknown. Some shared verses of scripture that have relevance to this situation.
Few, though, followed up on my real question – why do certain individuals become such a global sensation? What is it about them that causes others so adore them (some fanatically), overlooking their many and obvious flaws? My desire was in no way to hold up Mr. Jackson as a positive role model, pass judgment on his walk with God or the lack thereof, but simply to ponder why a handful of individuals become such a phenomenon and others are overlooked.
I thought Greg dealt with this as well as anyone (myself included) in a poignant summary:
Greg is a friend from High School and I had to give him some play.
Seriously, his thoughts were great. Another High School friend, Tina, who sometimes makes celebrity appearances in this blog, had some interesting thoughts on her own blog. You can see for yourself right here. For those of you who can handle the Spanish, Lucas Leys dealt with precisely the same theme on my mind - What was it that made Michael Jackson so influential? – only he did a much better job than I did. Really. His is a very good, well-written post. But, then again, he’s one very smart Dude!
Now, what is so fascinating about all the hoopla surrounding Mr. Jackson’s passing – and in no way do I mean to minimize or trivialize either his life or death – is the way this story has dominated the global press. We will continue to be blanketed by coverage until the toxicology reports come in two or three weeks from now.
Meanwhile, what is happening in Iran? Have the protesters given up their anger and gone home to drink tea? What is really going on in this strategic nation that will influence many global events? Has anyone noticed that there are crucial elections happening in Argentina and Honduras that will undoubtedly affect their neighbors? What about the wild man in North Korea and his chest-thumping threats against Japan and the United States? Has anyone heard what’s going on in Somalia lately? Has anyone considered how all of the above may affect the work of God’s kingdom?
As we speaking of Michael Jackson’s death, I think back over some of the other items I have posted in just the past two weeks. Several missionaries have been martyred. A trusted servant has been beaten and imprisoned. As Greg reminded us, these are the real celebrities in God’s eyes.