Hail To The King

Michael Jackson was revered as of the "King of Pop." Thousands gathered for his funeral. Millions of fans worldwide mourned his death; they paid tribute to his life and legacy.

Elvis Presley claimed the title of the "King of Rock & Roll."

Thousands gathered for his funeral. Millions of fans worldwide mourned his death; they paid tribute to his life and legacy. Graceland has become an international shrine. Hundreds of Elvis impersonators ply their trade, entertaining the crowds.

Both Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley were great entertainers. Both became rich and famous. Both men were surrounded by controversy. Both Michael and Elvis did some good and positive things and helped a lot of people.

Both were addicted to drugs.

Both men died.

Did they deserve the title of "King?" Probably -- if by "king" we mean that they were at the top of their profession, that they were the best at what they did. Do they deserve to be placed on a pedestal, to be idolized? Definitely not! Were their lives flawed? Yes! Were they sinners in the sight of God? Yes! Were they worthy role-models, were they great enough for us to pattern our lives after theirs? Not!

Did they deserve the title of "King?" Probably not -- if by "king" we mean someone who has ultimate authority, who rules over the subjects in his kingdom, whose word is law and who holds the power of life and death over his subjects.

Neither the "King of Pop" nor the "King of Rock & Roll" had enough power to heal the sick, to open blind eyes, to mend broken bones or broken hearts. Neither of them had any control over the elements of nature; they could not calm a storm, stop a tornado or cause a tidal wave to cease. Neither "king" could give life, or new life, to another person. Neither of them had the power to overcome sin and evil.

Neither "king" had any control over death. Both Michael and Elvis, like all of us, were sinners; they, like us, rebelled against God, broke God's laws, made a mess of their lives, were self-centered, greedy, full of pride, were too often hateful and angry, hurt a lot of people in the process and polluted God's good creation.

Several centuries ago, One was born in an humble stable in Bethlehem. His title was "King of kings!" He rules over Heaven and Earth; His rule and authority extends throughout hundreds of galaxies. His power created suns and moon and stars; His power placed planets in their orbits. His creative power populated the Earth with plants and animals and people; He gave life to all that exists! He spoke, and the forces of Darkness obeyed His commands! He ordered Chaos to retreat, and Chaos, too, obeyed His commands! He spoke to Death, and Death fled in defeat! At His command, the lame were healed, blind eyes were opened, the dead came back to life. At His command, the storm ceased and tidal waves became calm. At His command, demons fled, and Satan cowered in fear.

This One, Jesus Christ, rightfully deserves to be called KING!

He alone lived for 33 years in this world and never committed even one sin. He alone willingly died on a Cross and, through His sacrificial act, saved every one of us from our sins. He alone was buried and rose again to live eternally in Heaven! Plus, He has promised that every person who believes in Him and imitates his lifestyle will also live eternally in Heaven.

The "King of Pop" and the "King of Rock & Roll" and all of us are insignificant grains of sand in a vast universe; we are weak and have no real power. All we own or call our own is not really ours. It all has been loaned to us for a lifetime, to use for the benefit of all peoples. We will all die; nothing can save us. Our only hope lies with the King of all kings! When we worship and serve Him, we have life. If we do not worship and serve Him, we are already dead!

Hail to the King of all kings! Hail to the Ruler over all rulers! Hail to the One who alone deserves to be called Savior and Lord!

The Advent Season celebrates the birth of the King.

Hail, King Jesus!

-- Dr. Don Kuehle is a retired United Methodist minister who lives in Jackson. Opinions are those of the author.

Religion on 12/01/2016