the    sides

Evo 2 of our walk through the Gospel of John. John 1:19-28

It’s a rare person who can handle fame and attention with humility and grace. I’m not talking about the fake humility - “Oh, I’m just happy to be a part of the team.” “You know, I’m just fortunate.” We’ve all heard those interviews from athletes, actors, and rock stars. We’ve also heard the opposite - I’m all that and a bag of chips.

I really can only think of one contemporary interview that exhibits true humility. Eric Clapton was asked how it felt to be the world’s best guitarist. Clapton reportedly said “I don’t know. You’d have to ask Phil Keaggy.”

I see that as Clapton’s version of John’s words here - I’m not worthy to untie his thongs. Of course, in John’s day that meant sandals - or I’m not worthy to untie his shoes, to wash his feet…a servant’s job. But isn’t it cool to say the word thong?

The point is this - in a situation where John was being praised for his words and his leadership - he understood his role. He wasn’t the real deal, Jesus was. He wasn’t the point of the preaching or preparing the way - Jesus was. The point of his life wasn’t his own fame but Jesus’.

The crowd back in 30 AD was looking for a pop hero, another charismatic leader to lead them. The crowd then and today is always quick to make a hero famous only to abandon when their pleasure isn’t met. American Idol is only following in the footsteps of a centuries old tradition - find ‘em, make ‘em famous, use ‘em, then discard ‘em.

To this mentality, John points them to the truth of the person of Jesus. John says - I’m just a voice in the desert - get ready for the coming of the Lord.

As John’s words hit my heart this morning, I confess there have been more times than I care to admit that I’ve forgotten the point of my existence is to prepare the way of the Lord. It’s not about being cool or having all the answers - it’s about being a voice in the desert.