The King is alive

Most of you know that I come from an entertainment and music background. Among my musical peers and associates, Michael Jackson was considered an icon; someone who had gone further in the business than anyone had imagined possible. Years ago Elvis Presley was dubbed the King of Rock'n'Roll. So, intent on dubbing himself musical royalty, Michael granted himself the mantle of King of Pop. In fact, in his last press conferences in London, the podium bore that moniker.

This evening, as the news of Michael's death swirled around the news cycles, the most common headline I saw was "The King is Dead."

No He's not.

The real King is alive and reigning at God's right hand.

Paul Simon wrote, "Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts." As I've often said, people want to worship something. And if they cannot worship God, they'll worship other humans -- the creature rather than the Creator. Michael basked in that worship for most of his life.

Like ancient people and long-forgotten empires, earthly kings, icons, and idols come and go. But, when Michael stands before the King of Kings, there will only be one star in the room. And it won't be Michael.

I used to hobnob with wealthy, famous folk. Some were happy, some were miserable, most were obsessed with their fame and wealth. But, they all die. Death is the great equalizer. And, no matter how much stuff you accumulate here and now, only one thing has any eternal value. And it's not fame. In Heaven, only one person is famous.

The news tonight really drove home that point again. I'm 53. Michael was 50. I survive on what would have been his pocket change. But, I have eternal riches in glory.

I wouldn't trade.