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Humility in the desertFriday, January 2, 2009
John 1:23-27 Some Pharisees asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."
John saw himself quite differently. His eyes were focused in fact, not on himself, but on the Lord as he saw him in his visions. He was unworthy even to untie the Lord's sandals. God sent him to prepare the way, and then to get out of the way. Religion draws people into pride. Righteousness turns into self-righteousness. When I behave rightly I can see those who do not too clearly for my own good. My judgment against those sinners is only a reflection of what I imagine to be God's own condemnation. So thought the Pharisees. John resisted this kind of religion. He spent his time alone, ate the food of the wild animals, even dressed like them. He was not dependent on the civilization of Galilee. He taught a descending path of servanthood and surrender as the way to please God. And when Jesus, the lamb of God, the "agnus dei," appeared, John could see him clearly and proclaim his coming. Surely, Lord, you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. |
John's desert experience brought him intimacy with God, and God sent him proclaiming loudly that the Messiah was at hand. His preaching and baptism drew thousands, including a few skeptical church leaders, who challenged his authority. They thought John was thinking pretty highly of himself to be administering a purification rite like baptism.