Who Would Have Thought?
Have you ever seen a lot of people follow, support, do something that just didn’t make sense? Like why would anyone ever think that bowl cuts were a good haircut choice? Or kids today with some crazy actions… tide pods, enough said. Or people that enjoy buffets? It doesn't make any sense, but people do it, they follow this trend or actually enjoy it themselves.
The actions and trends don’t always make sense, but somehow there is a following, people actually like and pursue some things that don’t seem to make sense. In Mark, we are told about a man named John the Baptist, and he seems to have this type of following, but it doesn't seem to make sense.
Mark 1:5-8 " 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food, he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
We are told the entire country, all of Judea including the people in Jerusalem. A ton of people, why? It doesn’t make sense. John is clothed poorly, camel's hair was never in. And I would place locusts in the same category as a buffet, it is not good, not a desirable food for your body. But this is John the Baptist, it doesn’t appear that this would be a man to listen to and learn from, but an entire country come and listen to him, why? Because God uses him, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
Even when you don’t think you have what it takes God has promised to use you for something greater than you can imagine.
Scripture says that God has chosen to use you as well. Even with your past, your mistakes, your current struggles, you might not look the part, but He still promises to use you. In a big way.
As John is preparing the way for one greater, Jesus he does two things. He teaches the importance of baptism and confession. Confession, a recognition of ones need for a savior. That God is providing a way from their sins and into His Salvation. Then because of this recognition, one is baptized, a symbol of life transformation. From death to life.
Our need is still substantial, but His promise is stronger.
But John the Baptist finishes the last verse with this recognition. I am not much but God has used me to share of the Good News. Someone is coming much greater, one that will baptize with the Spirit. Something we cannot do on our own. Our need is still substantial, but His promise is stronger. A savior has come, His name is Jesus, do you recognize Him?
SHARE THE LOVE ON SOCIAL!