Garth Brooks is coming back to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for a concert. The ticket sales broke his previous record with 105,000 tickets sold in two hours, so he scheduled four more shows, bringing the total to seven shows. Garth Brooks’ last concert in Tulsa was 17 years ago.
Everyone knows who Garth Brooks is, but just in case you don’t, he is the best-selling album artist in the US since 1991, even selling more than the Beatles, but falling behind Elvis Presley for overall album sales. Garth was born and raised in Tulsa, and went to college at OSU, Stillwater. He and his second wife Trisha Yearwood have lived in Owasso, Ok., near Tulsa for several years. Garth’s roots are in Oklahoma and he is deeply loved as an Okie and as a great musical star.
In announcing the concerts in Tulsa for 2014, Brooks says, “Tulsa, I told you I’d be back.” His many fans, called believers, have patiently waited for Garth and his band to return to Oklahoma.
That reminds me of the story of Jesus talking to His disciples at the Passover meal the night before He was crucified. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself.” John 14:2-3. Yes, Jesus said, “I’m coming back.”
As Jesus was being lifted up in the clouds into heaven, two angels appeared to the disciples and the great crowd of people who were there when Jesus left. The angels said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11.
I love that, the Bible says, “This same Jesus.” Not another Jesus. Not somebody claiming to be Jesus the messiah. Not some self-proclaimed messiah, but the same Jesus that walked the shores of the Sea of Galilee, who healed the sick and raised the dead.
He said He’ll be back. I’m just waiting for that moment when the angels announce His appearance.