Jesus at a Concert

Our Concert “Family”

I saw Jesus move at a concert.

My husband and I recently went to see Chris Tomlin. The tickets were a birthday present from me, and the concert didn’t disappoint. We absolutely loved it.

The venue was a college arena-not too big and not too small. Easy parking, easy walk to the arena from the parking garage, and we easily located our seats. Check, check, and check.

This concert was more than just a fun night out with my husband in our own bubble worshiping Jesus our King. It evolved into an evening of stories unfolding right before my eyes.

Behind us was an older couple with their mom. The mom sat for most of the concert, and I felt bad ruining her view during the times we stood.

To the left of me sat a couple and upon first assessment (I assessed because of the close quarters we shared), the woman appeared reserved and nervous. I’m not sure why I thought she seemed reserved, but that was my first impression. I decided to keep my dancing to a minimum, so I wouldn’t make her uncomfortable or accidentally knock her over due to the tight space we shared.

In front of us was a mom and her little boy. They were eating nachos and saving a seat for someone. Mom put a Chris Tomlin shirt on her son and used the shirt he came with to wipe the sweat from her face.

I sympathized with her in that moment. Nights out with small kids is anything but easy.

My husband had the aisle seat. I lovingly chose his seat, so he could outstretch his long legs. Right across the aisle from him sat a group of young men. The one closest to the aisle definitely seemed nervous and a little uncomfortable.

Can you tell I’m a people watcher?

He also looked sad to me.

The Changes Begin

Now that I had the people around us figured out, I could relax in my seat and wait for the concert to begin. Little did I know how much our new concert family would change.

When it began, an electronic board instructed us to give high-fives to those around us and say, “It’s going to be a great night!” Introverts everywhere cringed. I know I did, but we stood up and formally made contact with the people encircling us for the next few hours.

The older couple behind us tried to stand, and my husband attempted to high-five the gentleman before he completely got to his feet. They both missed each other’s hand.

My shy, reserved seatmate to my left high-fived me so hard, my hand burned and tingled.

Who knew?

I cautiously high-fived the rest of the people around me to avoid more pain. The young group across the aisle from my husband vigorously gave high-fives to each other except for the one who occupied the seat closest to the aisle. His demeanor never changed.

I kept wondering what type of weight he must be carrying.

Not only did the lady to my left high-five hard, she sang hard – straight into my ear.

She also danced hard, so my limited dance space just became non-existent. Boy did I read her wrong!

I love concerts. I get the chance to admire the gifts and talents of the singers and musicians because God did not bless me with either of those gifts.

He also didn’t bless my new friend now screeching into my ear. I had to admire her verve though!

What is Happening Across the Aisle?

Have you noticed at a concert when the singer stops singing and asks the arena filled with people to sing the chorus, our voices sound like one voice? One beautiful, in-tuned voice?

My sad attempts at singing paired with the lady to my left wouldn’t build such harmony, and I’m fairly positive there are a lot more screechers like us in the arena. But when our voices melded together, it sounded like glorious worship heading straight to heaven’s door.

I am always blown away by this phenomenon.

I started to worry about our across-the-aisle friend. His shoulders seemed to bend a little more forward with each passing song. His friends sang with joy and raised their arms high. At one point he just sat down when most of us stood and danced.

I started to pray to Jesus over this sweet kid and asked Him to release the enemy whispering lies into his ear and allow the songs of worship to seep through the cracks in his defenses.

The concert stage was to my right as was my new aisle-friend, so it was easy to keep an eye on him.

Saving the Best for Last

Something else caught my husbands eye. Above our aisle-friend was a platform for people who use wheelchairs or need more room. My husband nudged me and said, “Look at that horse!”

A woman sat in a chair holding the rein of a miniature pony. It must be her therapy pony. I knew then we had the best seats in the house! I get to look over my shoulder and see a magnificent gift God created!

We may be sitting in the best seats as far as my estimation, but the best moment of the concert didn’t happen until the end.

I could feel Jesus at this concert.

I prayed often for my aisle-friend. As the concert wound down to its last few songs, I noticed his shoulders lifted a little more. He then stood to his feet and stayed there. He wiped tears from his eyes with the bottom of his shirt, and both arms were raised into the air. His eyes closed with his head tilted backwards, and he swayed and sang to the music.

I had the best seats because I saw pain crack and shatter to the floor and peace and joy enter into his soul.

Thank you Lord for these many blessings. None of these people knew my internal dialogue or the concerns I harbored, but they enriched my experience beyond their understanding.

God moves and God saves!

Check and check.

What a concert!

The Power of Inviting a Friend to Church

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