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A Tale of Two Kings: Elvis and Jesus

Once upon a time, there were two kings who came to steal the hearts of humankind. One king lived a long, long time ago. The other king lived and died in the age of television. Their lives are full of parallels and contrasts:

The one king was born in poverty in Tupelo, Mississippi

He was picked on and rejected in his youth

A Memphis studio recognized him for who he was

Crowds followed him everywhere

He shocked people with his dancing

Fans worshipped him

He claimed to believe in the other King

He became a symbol of rebellion

He lived a life of constant pleasure seeking

His life was “All Shook Up”

He used drugs to kill the pain in his soul

Near the end, the critics turned against him

He died from an accidental drug overdose

He died for nothing

He died rich, with homes and clothes galore

He leaves behind millions of records sold

Crowds make the pilgrimage to see where he lies buried

 

The other king was born and placed in a manger in Bethlehem of Judea

He was “despised and rejected” (Isaiah 53:3)

John the Baptist recognized him for who he was

Crowds followed him everywhere

He shocked people with his claims

Thomas called him “Lord and God”

He confessed that he was the true King

He became a symbol of salvation

He forsook the pleasures of the world

He had a peace that passes understanding

He refused opium to kill his pain (Mt 27:34)

Near the end, the crowds turned against him

He chose the way he would die (Jn 10:17-8)

He died to put us right with God

He died homeless with only 1 suit of clothes

He left behind millions of copies of his word

Crowds make the pilgrimage to worship at his empty tomb

 

 

(Credit goes to Willow Creek Community Church for the title and concept, taken from one of their plays which I was unable to locate.)