Have you ever had someone close to you meet someone famous? Or maybe one of your children or a close friend finally had a conversation with their crush? Were they excited to tell you about the encounter? Maybe you were the one relating the events to those close to you? Why are we so eager to share even a chance encounter with a celebrity? How much more if our lives are in some way enhanced because of the meeting?

I once led a team of divers and technicians on a mission to ensure a partner nation’s port was clear of navigation hazards. After, as we were waiting for our ride to the airport from the hotel, a young movie star walked through the hotel lobby and into a limousine. One of the divers was quick to intercept the celebrity who was happy to stop and get pictures with the service men. What amazed me was how interested the actor was in what we were doing and had no real interest in talking about himself. He displayed a genuine interest in my team. Because he cared about us, I became a fan of his.

John met the most anticipated figure in Jewish history. John walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus and shared meals with him. John witnessed Jesus’ miracles, his frustrations, his tears and even his crucifixion. Jesus cared immensely for John, in fact for all of us, and was willing to die for him. John was so moved by this experience that he devoted the rest of his life to teaching others about the truth of who Jesus was. As Pastor Vaughn said on Sunday regarding John, “He wants us to see what he saw. He wants us to hear what he heard. And he wants us to come to the same conclusion that he did. That conclusion, he wants us to believe in Jesus and find life.”

In Christ,

Chappy