1/02/2012

Locusts and Wild Honey

John the baptizer was an outdoorsy-type. I love the rugged description of him in this week’s reading from Mark 1:4-11. Camel’s hair clothing (it’s all the rage, you know) with a leather belt (not purchased from a designer).

He sounds like the Old Testament prophet he is often compared to, and even identified with, Elijah. In 2 Kings 2:8, Elijah is described like this:  "A hairy man, with a leather belt around his waist."

It’s possible that John was presenting himself as the new Elijah – the one that was here to begin the restoration of all things. It’s also possible that he lived the rugged life as a curiosity to get more people to come and investigate this strange wilderness man. 

He had a diet that sounds Fear Factor-ey. (I’m so glad that TV show is back. You may disagree . . .)

“Who wants to go see the guy that eats locusts and wild honey? This should be fun!”

And while the curios were there to see the side show, they heard a message they couldn’t forget.

Return to God – be baptized – be forgiven.

Without the benefit of any of the temple priests for mediation.

Oh my. Let the trouble begin.

God’s troubling the waters.

No comments: