About a year ago I was at a Lydia concert. I went with a few friends and for the opening acts we sat in a booth and hung out since it was at some bar and we didn't want beer all over us from the crazy fans in the crowd. As we were all talking and sharing stories I overheard the current band's lead singer bashing Jesus. I wish I could remember exactly what he said but I remember it was along the lines of not believe in Jesus but he was exaggerating EVERYTHING, all the while he was just saying all this stuff to open up a song. I shrugged it off because I thought, What can I do? Tell him about the magic of Jesus in the middle of the concert? Tell him about His undying love for him? I was across the room in the middle of a conversation and wasn't about to leave because I paid $15 to get in and see a band that hadn't even gone on yet. While all of this was going through my mind (probably within .5 seconds of this guy's bashing's) a random guy in the crowd interrupted the band (he obviously liked because he was in the front row) by yelling out, "What's wrong with Jesus? Why don't you believe? He's awesome." The singer, in complete shock said "I was just trying to appeal to you guys, I'm sorry. I actually do believe in Jesus.".
I guess my question is,
should I have left? Probably. The concerts in heaven are going to be much better. But would you actually leave? It's so much easier said then done.
Would you have been that guy, the one that yelled out defending Jesus? Again, easier said then done. He had no idea how it was going to be received. He could have been booed out of there, hurt, punched, insulted. But regardless he did it. He made a choice. One that will be honored and get him some serious cool points in Heaven. I wish I could have been that guy. I wish I could surround myself with people like that guy.
Are we like the singer? It sounds so ridiculous to us but change the situation, change the people, the scenario. How many times have you walked out of church and cursed the sun for being too bright? (Like Constantine), or how many times have you made a Jewish joke or judged someone. All sins. All demeaning to the name of Jesus. Or maybe you're like me and if someone flat out insulted Jesus, you would do nothing.
Maybe someone asked you about your faith and you said, "uh well I believe in God but I'm not one of those bible beaters or anything so don't worry". Not okay. Jesus DIED for you. Again that's something WAY easier said then done. Have you died for anyone lately? Sure we're all willing to die for our parents or siblings, etc. but have you ever really thought about what Jesus did? Like no more life, beat to death, worst way to die ever. For you. Just so you can tell people that you're "not one of those bible beaters or anything". I'm not Jesus, but I'm pretty sure that's not why He died, and I have a whole testament backing that idea. Sure, He's God and will forgive you but do you really want to be, that guy that is having to ask for forgiveness over and over because you're too ashamed of what your friends will think? God will forgive me, but will my friends accept me? Let's look at it from a different point of view, what's more important? You're friends that will probably ditch you the next time they change their underwear or eternal salvation?
I'd like to be better. In no way am I pointing fingers. If that was the case, point the biggest finger at me. But since Jesus died for me and everything, maybe I should take some punches for Him. Maybe I should lose $15 for His name. I want to surround myself with people like that guy so if you're interested. Give me a call. But I need you to be willing to take some punches. I need you to be okay with walking out of a concert with me in honor of Him.
