At the age of fifty Michael Jackson is dead, and the media’s incessant coverage is testimony to the millions around the globe who will mourn the passing of this "icon," as more than one news agency has put it.

Anyone who has followed Jackson’s turbulent career knows how tragic his personal life has been, and so a retelling of the sordid details will not serve any good purpose. What might be of value, however, is the shock his tragic ending can offer to a younger generation. In a culture that is obsessed with fame and fortune and promotes narcissism, a sudden confrontation with the end of it all has value. Therefore, let me offer just a few of life’s most important lessons:

First, time is short, death is certain, and eternity is real. The Bible says that it is appointed unto men once to die, and after that the judgment (Heb 9:27). While death comes to all people, not all people will meet death in the same manner. There is the death of the wicked, and there is the death of the righteous. It is far better to die the death of the righteous and be able to say as John Wesley did, "The best of all is, God is with us. Farewell! Farewell!"

Second, there is more to life than fame and fortune—contrary to popular opinion. More than one commentator has noted that Jackson earned in excess of one half billion dollars in his career and yet he died in debt. Jesus told the parable of a rich man who planned only for the future. "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" (Luke 12:20)

Third, young people are to remember God. Michael Jackson had a fascination with youth reflected in part by his own private Never Never Land where Peter Pan never grew up—and spending time with young children not his own. The Bible counsels a movement towards maturity for young people. "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them" (Eccl 12:1).

Finally, there is only one King and His name is Jesus. All others kings are temporary. Alexander the Great, seeing Diogenes looking attentively at a parcel of human bones, asked the philosopher what he was looking for. Diogenes' reply: "That which I cannot find—the difference between your father's bones and those of his slaves." The King of Rock and Roll died on August 16, 1977. The King of Pop is now dead. Only the King of kings and Lord of lords lives forever and His name is Jesus. For those who want to live with THE King, believe in Him. Love Christ and following Him forever. The king is dead, long live the King.