Where in the World is Michael Jackson?

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).

I tend to think deeply when I hear someone has died. Some of my first thoughts are, "I wonder where they are right now? Where will they spend eternity?" I'm not trying to be super-spiritual, but we all know there's more to life than our mortal years. God's Word tells us that there is a Creator to Whom we will give an account to someday (Romans 14:12).

So, if heaven is to be desired, and hell is to be shunned, why don't we talk more about it?

In my early years as a pastor, when I began performing funerals, I dreaded them. I was only 19 years old when asked to do my first funeral for a good friend of mine... dead of a drug overdose. Talk about scary! Let's face it, attending a funeral is not at the top of our favorite things to do list.

As time has passed, I have grown rather fond of funerals. (No, I am not the gothic-morbid type.) I think funerals are a great opportunity to present the reality of heaven and hell. Since many churches don't address either one, why not take advantage of a fleeting moment where people are actually open to thinking about eternity! By God's grace, funerals may be the only time someone will hear the biblical way to heaven.

So, where in the world is Michael? For sure, only God knows. If Michael confessed his sin and surrendered his life to the Lordship of Jesus, then one day we will be doing the 'moonwalk' in heaven with the king of pop! With Christ at the helm of our heart, we can face death confidently and peacefully. Without Christ, this earth is as good as it gets.

Michael's death came suddenly. So will many of ours. No amount of worldly fame will grant us access through the pearly gates. God is not impressed with our earthly accomplishments. God is only impressed with the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ and a humbled heart that has invited Jesus in to forgive the sins of their past, and to let Him be in control of their present.

If Michael Jackson is not in heaven, it will only be because of his choice to reject the free grace that Jesus offers. If hell is his eternal resting place, I guarantee that he will be like a rich man in hell who asked a poor, but forgiven, beggar to send someone to his brothers and warn them of hell's impending doom (Luke 16:19-28).

If Michael Jackson is in heaven, I guarantee he will beg the angels to visit this earth and tell his friends they too must humble their hearts before Jesus, and encourage followers of Jesus to share the hope to which they have with others who do not know.

Are you living ready for your own funeral? It may come sooner than you expect. You don't have to be afraid of eternity! Just read what God's Word says in 1 John 5:13.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

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