WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM AALIYAH’S DEATH?

James 4:13-17

 

Introduction: Just recently a young woman named Aaliyah met with tragedy. She was an up and coming movie star who made her mark in the music world at the tender age of 14. In 1997 she graduated the Detroit High School for the fine performing arts. Between 1994 and 2001, Aaliyah had under her belt 3 Albums, 1 feature film, the distinction of being the youngest person to sing and academy award nominated song in 1998 at the age of 19. What a wonderful and exciting start for a young lady raised in the city of Detroit. She had her whole life ahead of her. Yet, tragically, it was cut short. She was killed in a senseless plane crash flown by a guy who did not have a proper license to fly. Add to that, in an effort to save time and money weighted the plan down so it could not properly take off.

A.     To add to the tragedy, many young people who followed and adored her will not be able to see past the stardom and hero worship to learn some valuable lessons from this tragic event

B.     I hope the young as well as the older people in this audience will learn and appreciate any helpful lessons we can obtain from this tragic event

 

I.        We ought not boast about what we will do tomorrow

A.     In A recent interview notice what Aaliyah said

1.      When asked about performing in Hawaii: “Yes, I definitely will perform, it is the most fun for me, we’re talking about it now, possibly at the end of the year, maybe next year. I hope to perform in Hawaii, I haven’t in a long time and I hope to get a chance to go everywhere.”

2.      When asked where she will be 10 years from now: “I get that question a lot and it is hard to answer—you’ll never know how you will feel tomorrow, let alone 5 or 10 years from now, we’ll have to wait and see.”

3.      When asked if she has any regrets: “I can’t say that I do, I feel blessed to have the career that I have, you can say that I am a veteran now—I am still young, there are still things I want to do, I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

B.     This interview took place on July 13th 2001—Aaliyah was looking forward to so much happing in her future; how was she to know that on Saturday, August 25th 2001 at approximately 6:50 PM EST her plan would crash?

1.      Evidently doing the Lord’s will was not a part of her agenda

2.      I am sure that if the Lord were to ask her, “Do you have any regrets” her answer would not be “no!”

C.     Failure to establish a future with God will always meet with disaster

1.      Rich fool (Luke 12:16-21)

2.      They seek tomorrow without God on their minds (Pro. 10:3-4)

 

II.     Youth should not trust in the notion that they have plenty of time to get it together

A.     Aaliyah was just 22—too young to start thinking seriously about giving her life to the Lord

1.      Consider her response to the question about doing a gospel album: “It is something I will still like to do. I don’t know when . . .”

2.      Consider the response of some today, especially our teens: “It is something that I’d like to do. I don’t know when.”

B.     I am sure if Aaliyah had it over to do again, she would have given more serious thought to the Lord sooner—now is too late!

1.      The Lord ought to be remembered from the days of ones youth (Ecc. 12:1)

2.      Enjoy your young years and follow your heart’s desire, but remember (Ecc. 11:9-10)

 

III.   People are more concerned about how Aaliyah’s death will impact them than how Jesus death impacts them

A.     Notice a couple of fan reactions

1.      "It still hasn't hit home yet," said one fan, Jenica Nathaniel, who wore a self-made T-shirt that read, "The most exalted one," -- the meaning of Aaliyah's name -- and "You will always be remembered through your music”

2.      "I'm dedicating a part of my wall with a bunch of pictures of her," said fourteen-year-old Holly Churney. "I liked her because she wasn't such a flashy artist. She let her music speak for her."

B.     If only Jesus death could have such an impact on their lives and other’s lives

1.      He would be recognized as “The Exalted one” (Phi. 2:8-11)

2.      They would dedicate their entire lives to Jesus (Luke 14:33); they would let Jesus’ teachings speak for him (John 7:16-17)

 

Conclusion: Yes, Aaliyah’s death is tragic. But what would be even more tragic is that those in the audience who have heard this lesson will still ignore the lessons that can be learned from this event. Especially you young people, if you continue to sit there and fail to respond to the invitation, you are bolder with God than I thought and are beyond my ability to help. All I can say to you then is, May God have mercy on your soul!