by Belinda Jabore
Whether we knew of them or not we were faced with the extreme media coverage of the unexpected death of an ‘icon’ in the music industry, Michael Jackson, and we were also faced with the loss of actress and ‘pin up’ girl of the 1980’s, Farah Fawcett, who lost her battle with cancer. Her death though was harder and more difficult because she new the likely outcome of cancer fighting it all the way. Yet, Michael Jackson’s death overshadowed hers seemingly. Interestingly though, we have discovered that Michael Jackson was in extreme pain in his heart, mind, and body for a very long time. As my husband pointed out, and I believe that this is true, that he really died of a broken heart. Both were created by God, for God, and for His plan and purpose, yet their lives were cut short suddenly (especially in Michael Jackson’s case).
I remember watching a program several months ago on Farah Fawcett and being extremely moved with compassion for her, and I found the Lord prompting me to pray for her after that. About a week before her death I was praying that God would be with her, through it all, and if there was any way that she could be saved (whatever that looked like). I thought it was extraordinary how the Lord’s heart was ‘heavy’ on me for Farah and I felt His great compassion and deep love towards her. Then came the news of her losing her battle against cancer. It was headline news along with that of Michael Jackson’s death - a sad and sudden loss.
I thought this was interesting that the word ICON from the Australian Oxford dictionary means: painting of Christ, image or statue, object of particular admiration.
The Collins Australian version was: image, representation, and esp. of a religious figure.
As Believers:
We truly don’t know the day or the hour of when our time is up.
Are we being obedient to the things the Lord has asked of us?
Are we doing every thing we can to pursue and take hold of what God Almighty has called us to do?
What are we doing with the talents He gave us?
Are we being faithful in the little things?
If we were to go tomorrow what does our Legacy look like?
Will we leave a Legacy that will last through Eternity?
What are we building into others? Is it Jesus or the counterfeit?
Do we truly know Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit?
Only our Lord Jesus and our Father in Heaven knows how Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson went and where they are now.
Michael Jackson did lots of charity work, apparently being in the Guinness Book of Records as, ‘the pop idol that has given the most money to charity’. A portion of his songs brought the Lords heart and thoughts to us, even though we did not know that it was Gods words and heart for us. When so many of us did not go to church and did not know God exits, He still speaks through people like Michael Jackson so the world will hear the Lord’s heart for us.
Farah Fawcett campaigned to heighten awareness of domestic violence against women. She also did lots of charity work, and fought valiantly for a cure for cancer.
But when it’s all said and done, did they have a relationship and know the Lord Jesus and their Father in Heaven? …I truly hope so.
Finally: There is a song that our Worship Director Dan Hannaford wrote and it goes like this:
Ready
Are you ready?
Have you got that oil in the jar?
Watching are you watching?
For we do not know the day or the hour
We all sleep - what’s done is done
Then a midnight cry - here He comes.
Matthew 25 v (11:13) – "afterwards the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord – Lord Open to us! - But He answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you”. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
Are we ready?