The Way of the World

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

July is gone and according to all the television coverage so is Michael Jackson. Somehow or the other I missed out on the Michael Jackson phenomenon and was taken off guard with all the coverage of his death. For the week after he died, it seemed the only television coverage was about him and his unusual life. Bizarre is the word that comes to my mind, but I heard some much worse descriptions as others talked about him and all the coverage. I suppose he was a talented musician, but I clearly do not see him as the icon or the champion of black civil rights he was eulogized to be, and obviously he had “issues.” Finally, much of the coverage has settled down, and for the most part Michael Jackson’s name has disappeared from the headlines. Isn’t that the way it is with the things of this world?

Jesus became the celebrity of his time. He was on the cultural radar as early as his birth. He became well-known as he traveled around Israel with the disciples, preaching, teaching, and performing miracles. He had a following, and many relied on him to change their lot in life. Even in his death, there was confusion, mocking and sadness. But, unlike Michael Jackson, Jesus did not disappear. He was not of this world. He offered and still offers something that no mortal man can, eternal life. We must be careful of the “Michael Jacksons” of this world that get in our way of understanding what God deems as important while we are here on this earth. God will not disappear. Michael Jackson will be called to account for his life and so will we. Are we more concerned with the outward appearance or the condition of our hearts?