Wild Man In The Desert: Read Luke 3:2-18
Contemplation
Here we are, out in wild country. Birds and little creatures cry and slither. There’s life here, but it’s not always obvious, apart from the scrubby plants. There’s a hint that bigger, more dangerous creatures might be around too. The air is clean and clear and there are smells of wildflowers, bushes, animals. The great river, the Jordan, place of Israel’s history, is here and as we come closer there are sounds of splashing and a voice.
A wild man, dressed in smelly furs and living off the land is calling the people to wash and be clean. Here comes the crowd, too: people from all over, poor people, rich people, soldiers, priests – all talking many languages and pressing forward excitedly. The man welcomes them and warns them to be honest – soldiers not to bully, tax collectors not to steal – but he’s got harsh words for some – mostly the religious “professionals”. He doesn’t want them to think they have special seats at God’s table. The people ask him if he is “the Anointed One”, the person God has specially chosen to send to save Israel and free it from its enemies. He says that he washes people with water but that someone much more powerful is coming, someone who will wash them with fire and God’s Spirit.
What do the people say?
What is John saying?
What am I called to wash clean?