Dude looks like a crazy

Leah, who always paid more attention than I did during Saturday Temple's History Time, gasped when she saw John the Baptist. His garments were of camel hair, which Leah remembered was what the prophet Elijah wore!

Elijah was one of the great prophets during Israel's period of kings. He had been God's instrument particularly during the time of the sinner King Ahaziah. Even a fool like me could understand that if this man John was our Elijah, then truly the Lord would come to replace the Roman era with a Jewish one!

When the man heard we had come all the way from Rumah, he sat down with us and offered us some locusts and honey, on which he claimed to have lived for the past two years. I have been to enough Galileean Provincial Fairs to enjoy experimenting with food, so when Leah told me it was kosher I gave his treat a try and found the honey taste almost made up for the locust texture. Certainly for diners on a budget one could do much worse.

The Son of David seemed a little hoarse, so I hoped to entertain him with the story of how we had gotten out here, what paths we took, how we basically followed the river south once we hit Agrippina. I asked him whether he had yet baptized our old friend who we met on the way, but he had no memory of him. I also asked if he remembered my friend Elia, from Rumah in Galilee, but again he had no clear memory of the man. Certainly if you or I baptized hundreds a day we might not remember names so easily either, but I must sheepishly admit that I expected a little more from the one sent by God.

I was satisfied, however, to note that there weren't any angels hanging around John's camp. No supernatural soldiers with swords. That meant the haughty Pharisee we had met on our first day was wrong. I was surprised to see that no regular people were armed, either.

The Baptizer noticed my curiousity. "What is the matter," he asked.

"I was just looking for the armory."

"Armory?"

"Yes--you know--I know the prophecies from Isaiah and Malachi. I know you are going to make a path clear in the wilderness. I want to help pave it with the Centurions' armor."

John leaned against a shade tree with his hands behind his head. "You know, with all the dunking I'm doing I get awfully sore. I need to nap, but could you help me with my sandals."

"Why--I'd be honored," I replied. I looked at Leah and she smiled at me. Untying John's sandals, I noticed that his feet were all white and pruned from hours in the Jordan. He wiggled his toes when they were free and closed his eyes. I stood up and almost hit my head on a low limb.

He opened one eye. "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me," he said. "I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

I was stunned. So was Leah. "Thank you," she said as she stood to join me.

We left that same day.

Who looks like John the Baptist today? What would you call them? Have you ever listened to them?

posted by Jerad @ 11:08 PM Comments: 0