Who Takes Center Stage?

(This is a longer post than usual…even for me!)

The world laid Michael Jackson to rest this week with a massive public memorial amidst weeks of media coverage following his life – the good and the bad – and the legal battles that are now brewing for custody of his children and assets. With Jackson, you seem to have it all: incredible talent (some are calling it “genius”), undeniable weirdness, controversy, mystery, and charity…all held out for the world to see. His death at his relatively young age is tragic – as would be anybody’s.

After last weekend’s message on modern idols, the pedestal Michael has been placed on is proof that our society is looking for something…or someone…to look up to. Even someone to worship. We need someone who is larger than we are to give us purpose, direction, and guidance. From the flood of eulogies and sympathies flooding the news and social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), many, many people found that person in Michael Jackson. However, even with the controversies that filled his later years, when all is said and done Jackson will be remembered fondly (in most cases) as an historical figure. Nothing more.

When we idolize (or worship?) persons or things in this world, we inevitably come to a crossroads. People die. Things wear out or are destroyed. And when that happens, we are left with only a memory to carry us. Memories are powerful reminders of the past – good and bad – and can provide motivation for the future. But they cannot lead. We cannot see where we are going when we are looking backwards.

Many people who end up labeled and “icon” – like Jackson – can be very controversial because their entire life is put out there for the world to see. It reminds me of another controversial figure in history who died young. While Jesus didn’t face the paparazzi or cable/satellite TV with 1000 channels blasting His image into our homes, He was not a stranger to most people. Throughout the Gospels we see that many people loved Him…and many thought he was very bad news. Still, they knew who He was.

But Jesus possessed something that no other human ever has – the very nature of an all-powerful, immortal, loving God. And while the human that was Jesus is dead, the person of Jesus lives on, and together with God the Father and the Holy Spirit can guide and direct us through this life like no other. He was involved in the creation of the world and knows perfectly its workings. He has experienced love, joy, pain, loss, and death. He created life. And He created each of us, planting in us desires, hopes, dreams, abilities, and our personality. There is no one who knows us better…and therefore no one who can guide us through life better.

It can be hard to follow someone that you cannot see – someone who’s not on the radio, iPod, or Access Hollywood. But if the past few weeks have awakened in you the realization that life is finite and you’re wondering what’s next, then drop me a line. There’s hope…and I’d love to offer it to you!