I am a country music lover. I am also a Zac Brown Band lover. Ever since my parents managed to score some free tickets to their concert at Arrowhead stadium a few years ago, they converted to country music lovers as well. In the past, when driving in the car with my dad, the classical music station was the only station played. However, since that night at Arrowhead, I have permission now to play country. And when the familiar tunes of “Chicken Fried” or “Colder Weather” comes over the radio, my dad will now turn to me and say, “Hey, that’s my friend, Zac Brown.” I knew the band had to be incredible live if they could convert my traditional father into a true fan.
For the two years after my parents raved about the concert, I sought out opportunities to see Zac Brown Band live. I knew they were great, but I wanted to experience their greatness. So, you can understand my excitement when I heard they were coming to Red Rocks Amphitheater – no doubt, one of the most amazing concert venues in the world. The venue is probably on every musician’s bucket list. Past performances there include everyone from The Beatles to John Mayer to The Grateful Dead.
I bought my ticket and anxiously awaited the show. Of course, the concert beyond exceeded my expectations. Not even the rainy weather that night put a damper on my happiness.
The next day when discussing the concert at lunch, a co-worker was telling me that Red Rocks has underground passages and tunnels. He informed me that there is a room under the seating area that is accessible from backstage. Apparently, that room has the names and signatures of everyone who has ever played at Red Rocks. Sitting there, I started thinking, “Dang. It would be so cool to go in there – to see all the names and to be in that space where hundreds of famous people have walked.” I was imagining being able to stand in a place where some of the most notable music giants have left their mark. What an experience!
The next morning in my quiet time, I stumbled upon this verse:
“Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10:20
I let the words sink in, and I thought about what that meant. I reflected on my desire to experience the Red Rocks “secret room” just the day before. And then it hit me: as cheesy as it sounds, in heaven, I’m considered a rock star. It is there that my name is written, not on the walls, but in the Book of Life. My name is written on a page next to the names of my brothers and sisters that God loves and cherishes. It reminded me that He is our fan and that He is for us.
In essence, we all have this desire to be significant. I often find myself seeking after the love and approval of this world. I get caught up in making a name for myself — trying to make my own name significant. However, just like my achievements here on earth, the names at Red Rocks will fade. Being honest, that room has nothing but a bunch of scribbles that may last all of 200 more years. Through His death and resurrection, Christ offers us the opportunity of eternal significance. The Gospel reminds me that my name will never fade from the Book of Life — and for that, I have far more to boast about then some of those names written at Red Rocks.
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” –Matthew 5:11-12.