Michael Jackson, Idolotry and a Great Awakening

I'm probably the only person in Alabama that didn't watch Michael Jackson's funeral.

I have conducted hundreds of funerals over the life of my ministry, and I can truly say, every funeral I have been to or been a part of, there is a sadness that has marked my heart!

But as I have watched the VERY little of the media coverage of his death and funeral plans (no more than 15 minutes total since June 25) several things have grieved my heart;

1. A young man died way before his time. I will be 48 years old in September. This is too close to my age!
2. A young man made a ton…and I mean a ton of money; but from all the reports, died lonely, hurting, searching for enough peace to sleep at night…and couldn't find it! You can gain the whole world but if you lose your soul what have you gained?
3. A young man left a legacy of entertainment, music, dancing, weird looks, and even weirder outfits; even had a "Six Flags" amusement park in his own back yard, but still couldn't find enough money and toys and entertainment and trips abroad or satisfaction to help give him peace…
4. This young man had the charisma to make grown men grovel in awe and young girls scream with hysterical excitement at his appearance…
5. He rose to the pinnacle of his profession, owned the copyrights to some of the greatest entertainers who have lived in our lifetime works and songs…

And yet Michael Jackson died!

And so will you.

And so will I. (not good English, but you get my drift!)

The idolatry that has manifested since June 25th only underscores what most of us "peker-wood preachers" have been talking about for many years: America is sick and doesn't even know it!

In fact, most people…even church people… like it this way!

None of us reading this blog will have our funeral at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. We won't get to have our funeral in Jordon-Hare or Bryant-Denny Stadium in Auburn or Tuscaloosa. And I am NOT in any way jealous of the fame and fortune Michael Jackson gained in his life time!

I just want to stand in front of a CNN/FOX/MSNBC camera and shout out: YOU CAN'T TAKE THESE THINGS WITH YOU WHEN YOU GO! WHO ARE YOU GOING TO MEET WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR LAST BREATH HERE AND YOUR FIRST BREATH THERE?

Just because you are a good person and a great entertainer and own 50% of Sony, doesn't mean you get to go to heaven!

Only confessing Jesus is the King of ALL kings and the Lord of ALL lords; and then turn to the Lord (Acts 11:21) will guarantee you eternal Life in heaven!

I really DO pray Mr. Jackson called on Jesus before he took his last breath!

My heart breaks for the children Michael left behind. My prayer is that the children will be introduced to Jesus Christ's abiding love; his family will come to know the true sacrifice that Jesus paid for their salvation and that it's not in how many tracts and Watchtower Publications you can hand out;

And I really pray God will forgive us for the idolatry that has been on display for the last 3 weeks! But what do you expect from a nation in which their #1 TV show is called "American Idol"?

And I also pray God will forgive Christian people for the idolatry we have committed in worshiping our own "stars" (preachers, worship leaders, evangelists, denominations, etc)

We have become so entertainment driven that now the preaching of the Gospel is simply another form of entertainment

Oh Father God, send us another Great Awakening!!!!