An ancient version of imposter syndrome, they put the question to him, by whose authority did he baptize....
He was a sort of "mountain man", in a camel-hair cloak, hanging-out by the river, proclaiming the Lord God. "Why, John?" "Who told you to do that?" "Are you worried about getting sued?"
"Not of my own works, but of my Father, in heaven, from whom comes every good thing."
It was to repent of sin, and later to confess, shed sin, and ask forgiveness, as of the ministry of Jesus.
He worked through the Father, and the Father worked through him; he told them of the Father, and called them to a new way. He was a pony, the color of the sun, and ours, Christians, not because he said so, but because he brought us the love and forgiveness of our Lord.
And in our hearts, we chose him, but culturally, what of the other lay people? Was he an Orenthal James Simpson?
He was a menial, living a life of self-denial in service to the ministry, like a glorified administrative assitant, and still, despite his personal sacrifices, they questioned. This should make it evident enough that those of us who have a "lay person" life are more convenient targets for questions and doubts.
In his service, there was not just he mark of a man devoted to our cause, but the mark of a lesser than perfect man, accepted of God.
Not made perfect, but valued. We fall so often into a trap of false-righteousness, a sort of personal security and pride, a trapping of reputation, and we forget: but not as I would, as he would--we are worms and the Lord is our apple. We are plain enough and unappealing on our own: we need the cheddar cheese, grilled onions and bacon that is Father Son and Holy Spirit. The only way.
Lest we forget the love and forgiveness of God: the hope, the mercy, the sacrifice of Christ.
"O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people."
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