Iron Butterfly was my first concert at age 14. In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida and its
classic drum solo left me enamored. All in a high school gym for $3.50, such a
deal. When walking out with some more mature friends, I noted “they sounded
just like on the record,” to which I was told, “that’s not why you go to
concerts. If you want to hear the record, buy it instead.” A lesson learned
that had me look at live shows in a new light and appreciate them more. And I
have seen some good ones. Avery Fischer Hall, and Springsteen opens with Born
to Run, the album not released yet, no radio play either. Enough energy by the
time Chicago took the stage, who we went to see, we were worn out and left.
Another afternoon at the Garden State Arts Center for Gordon Lightfoot. When a
shower hit, we all rushed for cover, and he took a break. After the rain
stopped, he greeted us with “Hello New Jersey,” and broke into Rainy Day People,
somehow bringing us all together. Amazing. One night at the Capitol Theatre in
Passaic it was The Four Seasons, where some 30 year old teen age women would
yell “play Rag Doll,” after the first songs. When the next song was over, we
started chanting “Rag Doll, Rag Doll,” with most of the audience joining in, and
sure enough, the next song was Rag Doll! Another night at the same theatre, the
Beach Boys had us jumping, when Dennis Wilson stepped out and took the mike,
“this is for you Jersey,” and broke into his beautiful song, “you are so
beautiful.” Reminding me he wasn’t the only Wilson brother with a beautiful
voice. In a tent at Newark State College it was the Beach Boys again, and
partying behind the tent with Mike Love, known as the biggest &^^%$# in rock
and roll. When he made eye contact with us later from the stage, and gave us a
wave, I’ll defend him against that one.
But the night I still treasure was a few nights before Christmas as Madison
Square Garden and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. An incredible show, and the first
encore was a wild version of Pictures at an Exhibition, with Keith’s baby grand
raising and spinning while he played it. WOW! But then the music quit, it got
dark, and when the lights came back up, the stage was filled with a red robed
choir, led by Greg Lake on an acoustic guitar singing Silent Night. And it
started to snow.....that my friends is why you go to concerts!
But live albums can provide a musical version of a popular song, but made
alive. Frampton Comes Alive! I had seen him three times, buy the album. After
9/11 when The Who broke into “Won’t Get Fooled Again” at the Garden, how it
energized us all. If you are old enough to remember The Letterman, their album
“And Live,” had a perfect melody of “Going Out of My Head,” and “Can’t Take My
Eyes Off of You,” a new take on old songs. Feel Bluesy for a moment, The Allman
Brothers Live at the Fillmore, in particular “Stormy Monday,” the best version
of the T Bone Walker hit for me. Everyone played it, these guys lived it that
night. Add in The Band with The Last Waltz, Garth Hudson’s solo on “It Makes No
Difference,” and you find being live it does. But again another magic moment,
the Simon and Garfunkel Concert in Central Park, 1981. 500,000 people, and Art
quiets them with his solo of Bridge Over Troubled Waters, accompanied only by a
piano. You can hear a pin drop, it will give you goose bumps. Times half a
million...
“So is it live or Memorex?” an old ad asked. A question Christians need to
ask themselves. Is it Jesus or religion? Are you alive in Christ or just
listening to the album? A living God makes a difference, a spirit filled one
adds life. How many do you know, maybe yourself, who are fed up with the same
old routine of church? The music never misses a note, the pastor starts and
ends on cue, and on time, but you leave empty. Something seems to be missing, I
can hear the same thing on the radio, why go? So some stop going, finding their
whole Christian experience was more about church and doctrine than about Jesus.
There is a freedom found when we make the step from theology and into a
Christian experience. When the spirit moves, and it does in churches too, but
when the religious aspect is put to sleep, rather than putting you to sleep.
When the spirit moves on your heart, and you want more than just an hour out of
the 164 you are given each week. For like a live show, you can be taught by an
expert in the things of the spirit, even be one yourself, but you may have never
experienced Jesus first hand. You have an education, but no application, sound
familiar? What is your Christian experience based on, teaching or applying it?
There will come a time when the spirit stirs you, where you want more, where you
give in to it,and go deeper than words, teaching, or just reading the Bible can
take you. Some go to Israel to walk where Jesus walked, but fail to walk with
him everyday. They have the logos, the whole Bible, but neglect the rhema, the
verses given personally by the spirit just for you. Where you start listening
to God, and following his lead, and see and experience a depth in Jesus you may
not have even heard about, one too precious for words. That’s the holy spirit,
the live version of Christianity!
Now don’t jump ship from going to church, but ask God to reveal more of
himself to you. You want to hear a solo sung just to you, a song made for you.
That song is Jesus, you add the tune, he provides the music. You can jam on a
few words, and he’ll create a concert in you. Watch as scripture comes alive,
as you get depth and understanding far beyond teaching, and gain an insight few
do, because they deny the spirit access to their will. They have the tickets,
they just don’t go to the concert. They bought the album, and figure the show
will be the same. Their walk is a recording of doctrine of teaching and
discipline, while you see the show! Jesus in the Bible, or Jesus brought to
life in concert. What a show! And I go there!
The promise of Jesus is life and life abundantly. A spiritual life
overflowing with joy, seeing the savior personally, walking with him, listening
to his voice. Knowing the great shepherd will not misguide you. If you want
the live version of Jesus, let him know now, and open your heart to what the
spirit is saying. Listening is the key, then obeying, which brings trust. We
all have the same measure of faith, but not of trust. Funny how in a crowded
theatre you think the singer is singing just to you, why not let the spirit sing
to you personally?
When self or religion start to threaten, Jesus has a solo for you. You
need go no further than him. Front row seats, back stage passes available.
Don’t miss the show, just because you bought the record. Jesus Christ, is he
alive or a teaching? For like the song says, He’s just too good to be true.
And he can’t keep his eyes off of you. Jesus, the live version of Christianity,
better than a double album, and you can sing along!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com