Jesus leads the Black Parade.

No, this isn't some lame attempt by a youth minister to form Jesus into a distorted image. For those of you not into pop music today, "Welcome to the Black Parade" is a song by My Chemical Romance. Personally, I enjoy the song. It is well orchestrated and projects that there's an important message unveiled in the lyrics.

So what's the Black Parade all about anyway? Sure it's the alter-ego of the band, but what's the message of it? The entire song revolves around death and living a life that is build on truth rather than hollow traditions. Paul agrees with this attitude towards life. Colossians 2:8 encourages us to not be deceived by empty philosophies and live a life captive to what is void of truth.

Look at this exert from the song:

Do or die, you'll never make me
Because the world will never take my heart
Go and try, you'll never break me
We want it all, we wanna play this part
I won't explain or say I'm sorry
I'm unashamed, I'm gonna show my scar
Give a cheer for all the broken
Listen here, because it's who we are
I'm just a man, I'm not a hero
Just a boy, who had to sing this song
I'm just a man, I'm not a hero
I! don't! care!

The writer seems to be struggling with how to live life in light of an eventual death. In other words, we are all going to die someday...how can we make a difference in the meantime? There are some great elements of truth spoken in this verse. Being honest about our broken lives because of sin. Not taking the credit for the thoughts and ideas of many others. Using the gifts and opportunities you have been given to communicate truth. There are themes of Scripture apparent throughout this ballad.

While I don't know the members of My Chemical Romance or if they are Christian, they sure seem to be searching for something better in life beyond the next creation of man. There are cries in this song that living to serve yourself is meaningless. They realize that there has to be some sort of purpose for life. There must be some way that we can be a part of something that goes beyond our death. These are things we need to pursue. Jesus says in John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Jesus didn't just come, die, and rise so that we could have a pulse. He came so that we could have a life that has meaning, purpose, and a future.

So if you haven't heard the song, head on over to iTunes and give it a download. Don't stop there. Go deeper. Go where the cries of this song are longing for. Go searching for the way of a broken, unashamed, and purposeful life that the writer is hoping and seeking. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Jesus told the people (Matt. 7:7-8).

The Black Parade is in search of a leader for a life of authenticity. If you ask, seek, and knock you will find Jesus embracing you in your brokenness, shame, and futility.