I was in college when Cassius Clay burst dramatically on the
scene. I remember when he shockingly
beat Sonny Liston and became the heavyweight champion. And I remember his surprising and creative
personality, his bold declarations delivered in poetry. And then in the following years not just his
boxing victories but his bold behavior too that caused turmoil in the country
but gained him great popularity. He grew
and grew in stature around the world, and I think I remember at one point his
being recognized as the man known by the most people on earth. I expect that was true.
He was an exciting and colorful and obviously talented and
bright individual. And his death
provides another really strong teaching moment.
Muhammad Ali was a muslim.
Early on he left the name Cassius Clay and became Muhammad Ali. A muslim. And at his coming funeral there
will be muslim prayers.
A muslim. A follower
of a false religion. So what does that
say about where he is now? Nothing good
at all. For such an admired person loved
by so many, where he is right now is not good at all. And using Bible prophecy and words about
people like him, he will not be resurrected until after the thousand years
following the tribulation (Revelation 20), when he will face the white throne
judgement. Not a good position to be in.
All this adulation on television, all this endless
praise. And yes he was indeed wildly
successful and influential in this world.
But look at where he is now.
Not in this world. Not anywhere
you want to be.
How many more highly successful and popular people could I
write this about? How many of those
offering such praise now think or know about this?
For what shall it
profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!
(June,
2016)
Copyright © 2016 by John
Newlin
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