My younger brother, Gary, loved to travel. His job in the Post Office was just a front for his travel addiction. He saw most of the world on a bike, on public transportation, or on foot. A few years back, his life began to unravel in South America and within a short time he was dead of cancer at 50 years of age.
Back to his story.
One year he was in New Zealand. I’m not really sure of all the details — perhaps this is even apocryphal?
Gary heard a famous band was to play in a park — an outdoor concert. In Auckland, I believe.
So, being resourceful, he found his way to the park. He loved the crowds, so I’m sure he sat with some new friends. In telling the story he would explain how he had been there and heard a great concert. Music he loved — put on just for him! And then he would laugh, and turn to us, and say – “Me and 30 thousand others.”
I think of that story when I think of Easter. Here we are all in the park. You are in the park!
And Jesus is playing his songs just for you, and for me, and for the whole world. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever (that’s the you, and me) would believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
I’m not sure all my brother heard of Jesus’ concert. But I do know that I’m listening hard!