Posted on 12/31/2006 8:14:19 AM PST by ladyL
Subject: The Book of Proverbs Come to Life
Did anybody happen to notice yesterday the picture God painted for us as we watched the events of the day unfold on every news station around the world. The portrait of three men's lives shown clearly through the events of their deaths. One a wise man, one a foolish man and one a wicked man.
Three men captured the world's attention by their lives and their deaths. Their funerals spoke volumes about the course of life they had chosen to pursue with the few short years God had granted to them. Yesterday, God opened the Book of Proverbs and showed the world the truths contained in His sacred Word.
All three men, President Ford, James Brown and Sadam Hussein had choices in their destiny. Today they have all three stood in front of the God of this universe with those choices unveiled and judged.
God allowed us to see three men yesterday.
President Gerald Ford, a man whose faith in God and service to his country was eulogized by many speakers during the solemn and dignified ceremonies which marked his passing. A man of character and integrity, not perfect but made righteous by his faith in Jesus Christ. It was in this righteousness he lived out his life as a servant to his fellowman and his country. Great men and dignitaries attended his funeral. All coming to pay respect and honor to a man most deserving.
James Brown also was eulogized in a funeral ceremony befitting his life choices. There was blaring rock music, gyrating bodies, costumes, and great sensual displays of revelry to portray the contribution this man had given through his life to his fellowman. He lived a life of drugs, alcohol, immorality and rock music. He was heralded the the father of Rap music and the inspiration of Michael Jackson's greatness. His funeral with all of it's theatrics was befitting the excess of waste his life portrayed.
Then we had the gruesome hanging of Sadam Hussein. His death as gory as his life. A brutal murderer and dictator, hung by his neck and secreted away in the middle of the night to an unmarked grave. Thousands of Iraqis celebrated his death for through his life he had brought untold misery and death to many. A man so wicked that it seemed the world breathed a collective sigh of relief at the pronouncement of his death.
Three men, three men who left their mark on the entire world, three famous men. All three have now stood before their Creator to answer for the choices they made in their life as you and I will someday.
There is only one choice and Gerald Ford's life exemplifies the nobility of choosing to walk in harmony with The Creator through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Redeemer.
James Brown choose to walk in the flesh. His life's work glorified the flesh and his death magnified the flesh.
Sadam Hussein choose evil. He was a narcissistic megalomaniac. His life glorified evil and his death was gruesome.
This all played out in one day. God painted a great picture for mankind to see. I pray people got His message.
And the crowds lined up to file past his coffin in solumn dignity and reverence...
And the crowds - drug users and abusers and whore mongers and extortionists and pedophiles sang and cavorted...
And someone with a cellphone secretly recorded his death so as to prove to those who were terrified that he might return that he was truly gone...
How sad...
Rock music and entertainment are evil?
Now, let's get to another point: How do you know James Brown had no faith in God?
Since one of his trademark phrases was "Good God."
I imagine there were some of those in attendance at Ford's funeral also.
That was extremely insightful and well written. I hope you don't mind if I send a copy to my pastor? You will be given full credit. :) Thank you.
King Solomon under the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit.
So very well noticed....thanks....
IMO the original article was referring
to Proverbs chapter 28. It's worth a
read for one and all.
James Brown certainly did not reflect
God in his personal life style.
Adultery, drugs, excesses in every
facet of his life. But we'll let
God judge him rather than you or I.
That's a good and thoughtful article even if there are other opinions.
Unfortunately Rodney many people are under the illusion that knowledge or belief in God is all that is required to recieve eternal life in the Kingdom of God. James Brown may have believed in God but the fruit of his life did not show an obedience to righteousness that comes from a life submitted to God. We do not earn our way to heaven but those going there are a seperate and distinct people from those of the world.
Believers may sin but they don't live a lifestyle of sin nor do they encourage others to a life of sin. Unfortunately rock music and it's lyrics do not glorify the holiness of our Creator. It is said that Lucifer was the leader of musical worship in heaven before his rebellion. As such Lucifer is well aware of the power of the influence music has on it's listeners. Rock and Roll has had a definite negative influence on the behavior and values of our current society.
No, I got it. Just adding a little levity to the issue. James was always in trouble, hopefully he made peace with God before he parted. I really enjoyed his music even if his life was not well lived.
I to enjoyed some of his music and hope he made his peace with God.
Ditto! Thank you.
bump
I didn't know you had to earn your way into heaven, other than by accepting Jesus as saviour. I guess I was wrong. As for rock and roll, google the band "third day" and tell me please if they are going to hell or not.
Gracious of you to appoint yourself judge over the life of James Brown. One hopes someone will return the favor to you when your time comes.
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