“Fashionista” is probably not a word used to describe John, although today fur is a popular trim on many coats. While John could have been a fashion trendsetter, his dietary habits have not taken hold. John was peculiar enough in his dress that Mark noted it in his Gospel.

Often it takes someone willing to stand out from the crowd to be noticed and heard. John shared a vision that was far different than many prophets of his time, or those claiming to be so today. John claimed that someone much greater than he was coming. John was open to a new way of thinking and a new way of doing.

John talked about one who would baptize with Spirit, not just water. In our culture, much is made of those who are rational, with well-thought-out concepts and well-drawn schematics. God can use those types, but in the case of announcing Jesus to the world, God used someone who our culture might very well cast aside.

By Brian Foreman from D365