ME AND JOHN THE BAPTIST

We both love the outdoors. We both love Jesus. We both have been in the Jordan River. And we both have announced.

"Number 55, a senior forward--John GOOOOOOOgenOOOUURR." My last game as varsity basketball announcer. One of my last starting line up introductions. A scorekeeper for the Cahokia Commanches turned to look at me and shook his head. For, you see, I hadn't introduced his team members quite as excitedly and they were the opponents of the MTV Rams that evening.

Although I announced football longer--19 years to 10 years, I really enjoyed basketball more. I could ham it up more in the introductions. I worked with the Pep Band percussion section and with wild drums approaching the Blue Men Group, we would liven up an old high school gym right out of Hoosiers. I used to welcome all the guests to "the Snake Pit, Chagnon Gymnasium, Home of the MTV Rams". Some family member complained about my reference to the hallowed gym as a snake pit, but I meant no disrespect, so I dropped that part of the introduction.

But what about John the Baptist? How cool was it for him to be called the greatest prophet of the Old Testament? Furthermore, how awesome was it to announce to the world that Jesus was Messiah! Yes, the Son of God they had been waiting for! And He had come! Right there in their presence!

John the Baptist was honored to be able to make that announcement. We should be honored to be able to follow Him. To serve Him. To have a love relationship with Him.

Thanks, John. You got it right!