Elvis and Woodstock

Several years ago, author Lewis Grizzard wrote, "Elvis is dead and don't feel so good myself." I thought about that this past weekend as I watched bits and pieces of documentaries featuring Elvis and Woodstock. Woodstock happened about 40 years ago and Elvis died about 30 years ago. It is amazing how those two events have shaped the lives of so many Americans. Many people still make an annual trip to Memphis to remember a man who has become more famous in death than he was in life. And, many folks who were at Woodstock back in the late 60s wish they could go back, just one more time, for that once in a lifetime event.

We can only hope it was a once in a lifetime event. I think it is interesting that an event that only a handful of the nation's population attended, still gets airtime and headlines. Evidently, the people who came to Woodstock are telling their kids and grand-kids about that life-changing weekend. I wonder what would happen if Christians were as enthusiastic about their salvation experience. What would happen if we talked about Christ as some talk about Woodstock? What kind of difference could we make in the world if we told our kids and grand-kids about the greatest event in the history of the world...the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ?

I liked Elvis...liked his music. I think he was one of the best singers of all time. I even remember where I was when I heard he had died. I was at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. The announcer came over the loudspeaker and asked for everyone's attention. As most of us stood quiet, he said, "Elvis Presley has died." What stands out to me, as I remember that day, is that seconds after the announcer made his announcement, the rides were back in full swing, and the people who stood quietly went back to talking, laughing, and enjoying the day. In other words, Elvis died, but life goes on.

The death of Elvis didn't change the world. But the death of Jesus Christ changed everything. Had he not died, there would have been no resurrection. Had there been no resurrection, we would have no hope. Because he died, we live. Because he lives, we can live eternally. Wow.

I never met Elvis...and I didn't go to Woodstock. But I have met Jesus and one day I'll go to Heaven. That'll be something to talk about for eternity.

Think about it.