Wednesday of Ad Te Levavi

John the Baptist is the spokesman for the season of Advent. This is historically true. John was sent to prepare the way of our Lord Jesus. It is also liturgically true. John the Baptist appears in eleven of the thirteen gospel texts appointed for the season of Advent. Therefore, just as the people of Jerusalem and Judea were called to repentance by John’s preaching two-thousand years ago, so we too must hear the words of this rough and prickly prophet.

Our text from Matthew 3 seems to suggest that John’s mission and his appearance did not go well together. In ancient days the herald of a great king would be dressed in a manner reflecting the wealth and greatness of his sovereign. Here was the ambassador of the King of kings, whose arrival had been foretold by the prophets for thousands of years. So great was His coming, in fact, that there were prophecies concerning even his herald: For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’ ” (Mt 3:3).

Yet in spite of the fact that he represented the Ruler of all things, John himself was clothed in camel’s hair… and his food was locusts and wild honey (Mt 3:4). John’s appearance was uncouth, his diet was revolting, and his words were even more jarring, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! (Mt 3:2). Every ancient palace coordinator would say that this is not the way to promote a king or kingdom. Every modern church growth planner would say that this is not the way to grow a successful ministry. Yet, consider what happens next: Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to John and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins (Mt 3:5–6).

According to the experts, the message of the Gospel shouldn’t work. It’s not friendly enough. It’s not affirming enough. It doesn’t meet the needs of the target audience enough. And yet, by this gritty message that calls us to repentance once again, God works to accomplish His saving purpose in our lives. The Church shouldn’t grow, but it does—when and where the Holy Spirit pleases. Why on earth would people leave their comfortable homes in Jerusalem and brave the scorching heat of the wilderness to be yelled at by an grouchy prophet dressed in rags? They shouldn’t have. But they did, because the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are found, not where we think they should be found, but where God promises to give them.

The kingdom of heaven is indeed at hand—not where slick, well-dressed salesmen peddle a message of comfort and prosperity, but where the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed in truth and purity. John the Baptist is the model for every faithful pastor today—somewhat rough around the edges, perhaps, but commissioned by God Himself to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. May the Holy Spirit lead us this Advent season to receive John’s preaching with repentant and joyful hearts. Amen.