by Tom
Wacaster
Highway 51
once served as the major thoroughfare from Memphis, Tennessee to the quite
community of Southaven, Mississippi. Prior to the building of the massive
Interstate Highway system, that little country road leading from Memphis into
Mississippi was occupied by small town travelers, truckers, and farmers taking
their goods to market in Memphis. In the late 1950's that little highway
gained a considerable degree of notoriety when Elvis Presley purchased and
occupied Graceland, where he lived until his death on August 16, 1977. I
am not an Elvis fan, nor have I ever had the desire to visit Graceland.
But this past week I had the opportunity to drive past Graceland Mansion on my
way to Southaven, Mississippi to attend the Power Lectures. Rather than
take I-55 loop around the south side of Memphis, and on south into Mississippi,
I exited at Highway 51 and made the turn south that would take me past
Graceland.
In one more
week Memphis will celebrate "Elvis Week," but loyal fans have already
started to gather, and the sidewalks in front of Graceland Mansion were
literally filled with tourists and sight seers. Off in the distance
I could see the "Lisa Marie," Elvis' private jet. The rooftop of the
Mansion was visible, and here and there you could catch a glimpse of the well
manicured lawn. There was a convertible pink Cadillac on display near the
highway. Motels displayed their never-ending loyalty on their curb side
marquee: "The King still lives," and "Forever dedicated to his
memory." Placards were displayed by loyal fans, "I love
Elvis"; "Elvis still lives"; "Elvis, we will always love
you." Not too far distant from Graceland estate one can check into
"Heart Break Hotel," or browse the souvenir shops that are found on
what is now known as Elvis Presley Boulevard.
Fans and
fanatics can be seen perusing the shops, or standing in line to purchase a
ticket to Graceland. Elvis-look-alikes wander up and down the sidewalks,
seeking to imitate "the King," not only in their dress, but in their
hair style and mannerisms - seeking to walk as he walked, and no doubt to talk
as he talked. I managed to maneuver the traffic, and eventually
cross the state line into Mississippi for the short two or three mile drive to
the church building in Southaven. That may very well be the closest I
ever come to Graceland. But passing by Graceland I was made to think.
First, Elvis
Presley would trade all that was on display at Graceland for one more opportunity
to hear and obey God's word. Though "the king" occasionally
paid lip service to the King of kings, the life of the rich and famous rock
star was not a life of the righteous, and his neglected opportunities finally
caught up with him on that summer day in 1977. At his death his private
jet served him no purpose as he made his flight into eternity. His
millions of fans could not go with him through the valley of the shadow of
death. His cash and costumes were all left behind, and never again would
he walk the halls of Graceland Mansion. It is comforting to know that when it
comes my time to walk the path of all men that I will have a Shepherd Who will
go with me through the valley of the shadow of death (Psa 23:4). I am
confident that when it comes time for me to pass to that hadean realm that I
will have no regrets for how I have lived my life; no desire for another
chance. There are untold millions who have passed beyond the boundary of
life and, like the rich man in torments, wish they could go back and live life
again. I suspect "the king" will be among that
number.
Second,
greatness is not measured in terms of the earthly. Someone pointed out
that Elvis Presley is the typical American success story. In a few brief
years he rose from poverty to riches; from obscurity to fame; from a life of
simplicity to a life of stardom. By human standards, Mr. Presley was
truly successful. But success cannot be measured in dollars and
cents. Personally, I have no desire to give up my peace of mind for
popularity and the pressing crowds seeking to get a glimpse at your face, or a
piece of your clothing. What I saw of Graceland Mansion was
impressive, and the gold platinum records and rewards that fill the late Elvis
Presley's trophy room would likely draw rapt attention from those who tour the
grounds of Graceland Mansion. Many folks desire the same kind of
"greatness" that Elvis acquired in his lifetime; far less ever attain
unto it. The saint, on the other hand, aspires for greatness in the sight
of God. Their one desire is to hear their Master say, "Well done, good and
faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). That will be true greatness.
Third, it is
utterly amazing the degree to which some of Elvis fans will go to pay tribute
to their "king." One web site pointed out that an annual
procession through the estate and past Elvis' grave is held on the anniversary
of his death each year. The largest gathering assembled on the 25th anniversary
in 2002. One estimate was that 40,000 people were in attendance, despite the
heavy rain. But the extent of fanatical fan loyalty is captured in those
handfuls of men (and even women) who seek to imitate the man's every
action. Elvis-look-alikes attempt to dress like Elvis dressed, to speak
with the same accent and pronunciation of words. To all such fans, the
essence of life is summed up in the one goal in life - to be as much like Elvis
Presley as is humanly possible. I have no desire to imitate "the
king" of rock and roll. But I do have a burning desire to imitate my
Lord, to "have this mind that was in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5 ff), to
follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21), to love as He loved, think as He thought,
and act as He acted.
Finally, as
I watched Graceland fade from view in my rear view mirror I thought, "How
different is MY King!" They serve an earthly king; I serve a
heavenly. They serve a man; I serve God. They serve someone
whose life was dedicated to sensual pleasure; I serve a King whose life was
dedicated to brining men redemption and salvation. They serve a dead
king; I serve a Living King. Someday every tongue shall confess and every knee
shall bow - not to Elvis - but to Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of
the world.
Graceland
Mansion may very well be worth taking the time to visit - but I for one will
look forward to that time when I don't just visit the Mansion of my dreams, but
pack up and move into that Mansion my Lord has prepared for me and for all
those who have loved His appearing. Meanwhile, I think I'll be
content to pass by Graceland on my way to my heavenly home.