Michael Jackson was just 50 years old when he died June 25, 2009. While no one will deny the man’s God-given talent for song and dance which was displayed in his early years, there are many questions surrounding his bizarre behavior in the second half of his life.

The day of Michael Jackson’s death, I attended a weekly worship and prayer meeting where one spirit-filled Believer stated that she had been thinking about all the ‘old’ singers who have started touring again.

Since many things in life begin with the natural (I Cor. 15:46) and then the spiritual, she wondered what implications this resurfacing of old musicians might have in the spiritual realm.

Michael Jackson, as so many legendary acts like “The Eagles” and “The Rolling Stones,” wanted to make a come-back into the entertainment world.

But as a believer that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and the only one to be worshiped, I have to wonder if any person who claims himself to be the King of the music world will be allowed to make a come-back. Michael Jackson promoted himself as the ‘King of Pop’ but the Creator of the Universe did not grant him enough breath to ascend to that throne.

It is a reminder of the down-fall of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who in the very hour when he called himself the greatest (Daniel 4:28-37) was driven from men.

It is only when Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself and praised God, “…For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation” (vs 34), that his reason was restored and he made a come-back.

As our prayer group prayed and asked our LORD for understanding of this come-back concept, we had the impression that there are many people who once followed the teachings of Jesus Christ, but for various reasons have fallen away.

Like the prodigal son returning to his father (Luke 15:11-32), our Heavenly Father is holding out his outstretched arms to those who would come-back home.

Besides the financial incentive, could it be singers and musicians like Michael Jackson are looking to recreate that place of acceptance they experienced from loving fans. And they believe by coming back with their songs, they will also come-back to an atmosphere of love they have not experienced for years.

Living without a Song

The Psalms contains a picture of Jewish singers who also experienced this lack in their lives.
First, let’s look at the reasons for those living without a song.

“By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion. We hung our harps Upon the willows in the midst of it. For there those who carried us away captive required of us a song, Saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How shall we sing the LORD’S song In a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget her skill! If I do not remember you, Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth – If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy”. (Psalm 137:1-6)

First, the Psalmist laments for Zion, the place where God dwells. He has been taken captive to Babylon, a place filled with idol worship. His heart is broken, his eyes filled with weeping, so much so, that even as a musician, he cannot play an instrument.

His captors know of his musical genius, and tell him to sing for them! But the Psalmist cannot sing those songs in a strange land. He has discovered the songs he sang in the city of God do not fit by the water of foreign gods.

Singing Again

“When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then said they among the nations,

“The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, Whereof we are glad. Bring back our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South. Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126)

The Psalmist is overwhelmed after being released from the prison which kept his soul captive.

He is ecstatic, so much that all he can do is laugh and rejoice. His mute tongue is released to worship the only true God! The release of the new song is so evident that the nations take notice and recognize what God has done for people. Their tears have been replaced with a new joy!
Worship Jesus

The Holy Bible, the greatest book on the earth, gives simple instruction on how to make a come-back as a singer. One must recognize their inability to sing in their present condition, take their harp off the willow tree, and put feet to their walk home to their Father’s house.

Instead of living in an environment filled with foreign idols, one needs to turn their eyes to the LORD, the only God who can turn again our captivity and restore the song.

“And I (John) fell at his feet to worship him (an angel), But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”. (Rev. 19:9)

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)

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Read Myrna’s recent book:

Captivating Creative Craftsmen & Study Guide, is filled with inspirational stories behind Biblical artisans and is the latest book from our Open the Word contributor, Myrna Petersen. With references to the Bible, it begins with story telling and gives prophetic understanding of how in the last days, the beauty and glory of the LORD will permeate the world, demonstrated through science and the arts.

As we draw closer to the Creator of the universe, we’ll be inspired to create new works. Creativity, part of our inheritance, from the cave dwelling era to modern society is revealed through various artistic means. It is not just the job of a few artistic types but the expectant hope of every man, woman, and child in the universe.

As Vincent Van Gogh said, “If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silent.”

For a sneak preview and/or place an order of paperback copies @ $10.00 CDN plus taxes & delivery, from our distributor.

Download E-pub for various e-book formats @ $3.99 US.

Myrna Petersen is a writer and musician based in Regina, Canada and owner of Ideation Entertainment. She loves to uncover obscure historical gems and present these stories in the language of the common man. Myrna is the author of five non-fiction books, a stage musical and several film scripts. Check here for some of her other writings.