Reflections on the MJ Mermorial

It is absolutely amazing how thousands of individuals can travel around the world and country to attend the funeral of a man that they have no connection with but it’s difficult to get individuals to show up to their place of worship to give reverence to God who they claim that they have a personal relationship with. Like everyone else I was shocked to hear about the death of Michael Jackson, he was one of if not the greatest entertainer of all time, however I was even more shocked when I heard and saw peoples reaction to his death. It was reported that individuals were crying, depressed and even committed suicide after they heard about MJ’s untimely death. I was grieved to hear that individuals were so wrapped up in someone else’s life that they felt the need to end their own. The bible teaches that we are never to put anyone or anything over or ahead of God. Whenever we become so caught up in people and not in God, we will fall victims to the enemy. What happened in the case of Michael Jackson is a wakeup call to the church. We are indeed living in what theologians called eschatological times (the last days). These are the days when people will desire everything else but God. Their devotion will be secular earthly people and possessions instead of a divine God. It was intriguing to note that at his memorial not once within a two hour time span was the name of Jesus mentioned. That was absolutely ludicrous, shame on you Reverend Al Sharpton, shame on you Reverend Jessie Jackson. Both these men had the opportunity to bring comfort and healing but most importantly present an opportunity for salvation to the thousands of attendees in the staple center and the millions of viewers that was watching from around the world, but they dropped the ball. As members of the clergy this is their divine assignment and mandate from God. We must remember that funerals/memorials are not necessarily for the deceased but IT IS for those who are alive. It is so that we can recognize that, no matter how wealthy or poor we are, at the end of the day we will all face and experience death. Knowing this while we are alive it is in our best interest that we serve God with all of our heart, mind and spirit. It is our duty to treat our fellow brothers and sisters with respect and to love each other for God is love, then and only then will our lives be worth living and our existence will not be in vain. 

Be Empowered!

Pastor Andre Lewis