Reading these headlines caused me to consider what is the ‘spirit that lives on’ that makes Michael Jackson the center of worldwide attention and praise.
MAN NEEDS TO WORSHIP. In the beginning, God created man to worship excellence—His Glory and His Creation (Ps. 19). Sin did not remove man’s desire to worship excellence, but it did change the object of his worship. No longer worshipping the God who made the heavens, he worships the creation and the creature (Ro. 1:25). He worships every day. And if not worshipping God, by default, will worship anything.
Celebrity—in sports, entertainment, or power—provides men with something to believe in greater than themselves. Not unlike those of Noah’s time, they are drawn to “men of renown” (Gen. 4:23-24). They thrive upon the glory of their heroes who give them hope that they are not the fallen, broken, helpless children of Adam. They surmise: ‘if our heroes can overcome their obstacles to greatness, maybe we can too.’ Or, if not, they settle for living vicariously.
Don’t get me wrong: Michael’s musical talent was arguably unmatched. But the incredible grieving of his death and exaggerated celebration of his life is a revealing commentary on the condition of man and his pursuit of excellence.
Greg,
ReplyDeleteI grew up listening to Michael Jackson's music and over the years have been a fan of his music and dancing abilities. I watched the memorial yesterday and did like that it was simple. I do agree with what you have written. I am sad for an athlete I admired was also found murdered with a girlfriend (this athlete happened to be married with four children). It is sad that I find myself admiring these less than perfect celebraties only to find that their personal lives are a mess! Thanks for this entry, perfect timing.
Anau
Well it is quite ironic that not days before his death the world still picked and criticized this man of oddities and strange behavior. Talented, yes. Hurting and displaced soul, yes. They mocked him in life, and worshiped him in death. Again proving that their display of love was more about them than him.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying we shouldn't honor those that are dead by not stomping on their graves and retelling embarrassing stories about them, but clearly this Wreck of a man was not well liked by many, but now worshipped by nearly all.
Now he was the best ever. Now he was a great father. Now he was "The Man". People, lacking the true God who fills our needy souls cram worthless idols into the empty space till they find a better one...