Prepare to meet your God...

...that phrase from Amos 4:12 is the first thing that came to mind when I heard about the sudden death of Michael Jackson late this afternoon. Combined with the death of Farrah Fawcett this morning and Ed McMahon earlier this week, this has been a sobering last few days.

I never really followed Michael Jackson's career, except when he was in the news for his record-breaking music or his eccentric behavior. I was always aware, however, that he and I were almost exactly the same age, so that gave me reason to stay mildly interested in his life.

His death is a reminder that life is fragile, and that we must be spiritually prepared to meet our maker.

Are you ready?