Jesus Loves Rock Too

Just to let you know, I am officially in Omaha now. But before I say anything about that, I need to make an update about this past weekend’s events. Luke, Landry, and I finished up two days at the Red Letter Rock Fest. We are full of great music and our ears are still ringing, reminders of the loud and drumming memories we now hold. I can say without a doubt that it was the most amazing concert I have ever attended. And if you know me at all, you know that I don’t say things like that about music unless I mean it. But it was not just the music that impacted me. Shows like the one I experienced continue to serve as reminders for why I listen to the music that I do. There was rap, punk, alternative rock, metal, and everything in between. But for all of their differences in musical pursuit, they each have one thing common in their motivations for what they do – glorifying our Heavenly Father. These are the shows that continue to negate any comment I have ever heard that people cannot hear about Christ through rock music. Each band wears their heart on their sleeve and they are unashamed to testify to what they believe. I’ll give you a quick rundown of the highlights from this weekend’s show. There were two big moments in my mind.

The first happened on Friday with the band Disciple. I have always been a fan of these guys. They started out playing music that sounded like old 80’s metal, but their lyrics were entirely Bible verses. They rocked, but no one really took them seriously. After a few years of mediocre success, they got haircuts and modernized their sound. Their set at Red Letter was amazing. Tons of energy. At one point, the guitarist jumped up on an amp and did a backflip onto the stage, guitar and all. But the coolest part was midway through the set. The vocalist, Kevin, pulled out his Bible and read a passage from John 10. He then began telling a story about returning home after finishing up a recent tour with Skillet. When he got back, his 8-month old daughter was a little unsure as to whom he was because he had not been around much due to the touring. So he decided that during his break from touring, he would spend every waking moment with her. Changing diapers, feeding her, but most importantly speaking to her and helping her become accustomed to his voice. By the time he had to leave on tour again, his daughter knew him as “Da Da” and clung to him as he told her goodbye. He went on to tell us that this is often how our relationship is with God. We want Him to speak to us so badly when often He is right in front of us screaming to get our attention. It’s not necessarily because we are looking in the wrong places, but we cannot hear Him because we have not spent time developing that relationship to the point of understanding who He is and recognizing His call. God is not a metaphor or an abstract idea. He is a living being and He wants each and every one of us to have a relationship with Him. And He sent his son to die for us so that we might be able to do so. By the time Kevin finished talking, he was on the verge of tears. I was very moved by his candor.

The other big moment came from Skillet. This band has absolutely blown up in popularity in the last few years. They sell out shows right and left and the pyrotechnics they had on stage Saturday had to have cost a small fortune. And just like many crossover bands, they have ample opportunities to leave behind faith and pursue musical careers for the sake of fame. But unlike many crossover bands, they are not doing that. John, the vocalist, spent a few moments between songs telling everyone that he loves playing music and performing in front of people, but at the end of the day it is not the reason he wakes up every morning because it never truly satisfies. It is his faith in Christ and living only to glorify the Lord that keeps him going every day. And immediately after, they played a worship song.

Skillet. A hard rock band. Playing a worship song. At a rock show.

Over 20 bands performed this weekend and each one of them made sure to point out that God was the center of their music. Skillet and Disciple took time out of their sets to both pray and share the Gospel. Family Force 5 ended their set by praying for the crowd and the rest of the festival. I do love rock, but I love it more when it is done to glorify God. Because that always reminds me that Jesus loves rock too. And the Lord can and does reveal His glory through it.

You can check out my photos from the festival at this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=87654&id=661918786&l=88f8580f82

On another note, I am in Omaha now and I am actually writing this blog in the church office. I reported for duty this morning and my first assignment was to go jogging two miles with two of the church leaders. Fun stuff. I will be moving in with my Omaha family this evening. I’m excited about that. I will update again as soon as possible.

Love you all.

- Collin