The King is Dead!
Wayne Turner

On June 25th, Michael Jackson died.  One of the most successful entertainers ever, he was awarded 13 Grammies and sold over 750 million records becoming a cultural icon and gaining acclaim as the “King of Pop.”  His public memorial service, with his $25,000 gold casket was attended by a host of celebrities, 20,000 ticket-holders and was viewed by an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. 

Much of Jackson’s life and death paralleled Elvis Presley, his first wife’s father.  Elvis was known as “The King” and the “King of Rock ‘n Roll.”  Both performers were “larger than life” personalities whose talent, distinctive music styles and clothing had far ranging effects on the entertainment world.  Despite their success, both had difficult personal lives that ended abruptly and prematurely.  Each of their deaths was followed by massive outpourings of public grief.  In the years since Presley’s death, Graceland, his mansion, has become a quasi-religious shrine for his devotees.  Jackson’s estate, Neverland, will surely attain a similar “sacred” status for his fans. 

Many fans go beyond appreciation and admiration for stars to almost fanatical adoration and devotion which could well be called worship.  It is not surprising that in our culture the word for a false object of worship, “idol,” is used of celebrities from sports, movies, television or music.  Stars may be incredibly talented, capable of touching masses of people, but at best, they are fallible and mortal - even super-stars like Presley and Jackson.  The reality is that no matter how successful, popular or wealthy they were, or how devoted their fans, the King of Rock ‘n Roll and the King of Pop are dead.  They are powerless to do anything for those who believe in them.  Though countless thousands will flock each year to their memorials, there are only memories – but no hope.  They were entertainers, mere men, nothing more. 

There is nothing more empty than worshipping an idol.  The Old Testament prophets often spoke of the tragedy of worshipping what was only wood, stone or precious metal (or flesh).  Isaiah tells of the man who makes an idol from the same piece of wood he burns to make a fire to warm himself.  He bows down and prays, “Save me.” Jeremiah speaks of “worthless idols” that cannot save.  Paul speaks of the pagans who worship mute idols. Like the Baal and Asherah called on by the false prophets at Mount Carmel, idols cannot hear, answer or help.

We worship another King.  Like Elvis and Michael Jackson, from a human standpoint, this King’s death was premature.  However, His life and death stand in stark contrast to theirs.  Despite sometimes drawing crowds, He lived in relative obscurity and poverty.  At His death, the only crowd was an angry mob.  His only procession led Him to the place of His execution.  After He died, His body was quietly taken from there, wrapped in linen cloth and placed in a borrowed tomb. There were no tributes, performances, motorcade, or media – not even a private family service.  Other than a relatively small group of followers, few people grieved.  His devotees were discouraged and disillusioned.  Their king was dead.  One killed himself, others left the city.  But, their hope did not end at his grave.  We know him as the “King of Kings.”  His death was neither permanent nor pointless.  

Jesus warned of the dangers of worshipping things that are impermanent and untrustworthy.  It isn’t the Baals of the ancient world.  They and their followers are long buried.  We are challenged by more subtle idols, those which don’t present themselves as gods or religions but just as certainly want first place in our loyalty and service.  They want to be king.  Jesus spoke of the God of mammon (materialism), Paul called it covetousness.   It could take the form of power, wealth, possession, fame – all the things that today’s entertainment idols represent.  The death of Michal Jackson reminds us that of all the popular idols of today, none are worthy of our lives.

Perhaps William Cowper said it best when he wrote:

The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee.
                                                                                                                        - Winnipeg, MB