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.)
