7 Jul, 2009
Loss of an Icon
Today...Tuesday, July 7, 2009...America and the rest of the world will lay to rest one of the largest icons this world has ever seen. Michael Jackson was undoubtedly one of the greatest entertainers in history. He broke record after record when it came to album sales as he sold a combined 750 million albums. He was at the top of the charts throughout his short life. Many saw him as "larger than life".
He is not the first icon that our world has lost prematurely. Elvis, John Lennon, JFK, Martin Luther King and Princess Diana are just a few of the dozens who also appeared to be larger than life...but in the end, were not. It is a truth that we all know...no one is above death...but somehow we allow ourselves to assume otherwise when it comes to the famous.
In a video piece done by ABC entitled "The Ways America Mourns Icons", reporter Claire Shipman left her audience with the question, "If stars like these can be extinguished so unexpectedly, what does that say about our own mortality?"
To view the whole story, go to http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=8010550
Hebrews 9:27-28 (New International Version)
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
What does God's Story teach us about death
We all will die physically. Black, white, male, female, rich, poor, unknown and icons...our last breath will most certainly come. God's Word clearly tells us that each man and woman is destined to die. God not only shares that insight with us, but He grants us another critically important piece of information...once we die, each of us will face the judgment seat.
This isn't exactly a popular message in today's society. People don't like to be judged and they don't like to hear that there is only one way. People, more and more, like to determine their own way...do their own thing. But the truth is that, just as we are unable to control when our last breath comes, so are we unable to alter this declaration that God has made.
So the truth is that we will die and that we will face judgment. The GOOD NEWS is that we need nothing but to have accepted Jesus' forgiveness in order to be welcomed into an eternity with the Father! Verse 28 clearly teaches that Jesus' sacrifice has taken away the sins of many!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story with my story?
- Answer the question that Claire Shipman asked America..."what does this say about our own mortality?"
- Talk to God about your thoughts and feelings about death...be real with Him and allow Him to bring you answers, peace or whatever you might be seeking from Him regarding this tough reality of life.
- If you have never accepted Christ as your personal Savior, you can do so today. Just talk to God. Admit your need for His forgiveness and express your belief in His risen Son, Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9) Then, no matter when it may come, you will have no fear of your last breath!
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and my story with my friend's story?
- What a perfect opportunity to discuss the concept of our mortality with your friends. The world will be focused on Michael Jackson's funeral today. Simply ask what they believe happens after death. You will be amazed at the different answers people may have and the conversations that this question will lead to.
- Pray that God will use today's memorial service in the lives of many people around the world. Pray that God's truth can be shared in loving ways and that people (including your friends) will turn to Him as a result.
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