FROM THE ARTIST | LAUREN WRIGHT PITTMAN
A curious, odd, status quo-threatening man emerges in the
wilderness of Judea. He shouts in the place of desolation—a
dangerous place where God has repeatedly shown up
throughout Israel’s history. John lifts up his voice, entreating
people to make an about-face from the things that keep them
from God, and move toward the new thing God is doing. He
invites people to dip their weary bodies into the river, wade
into mystery, and to tell the truth—taking on a posture of
confession and surrender.
This eccentric man wears the clothes and eats the food of one
living at the mercy of the land. His embodiment is that of an
outcast, defined by common elements—camel hair, locusts,
and honey. This is the one entrusted with introducing the world
to God’s incarnate self. John’s cries bring the powerful to the
edges of society where Jesus would spend his life and ministry.
John points us to where God is to be found—in the wilderness,
at the margins of power, at the periphery of looming,
destructive systems, where the waters of Baptism ripple and
swirl, where grace is abundant and God draws near. I drew John
at one with the wilderness. His shape is hardly distinguished
from the powdery textures and deep, cool colors of the waters
of the Jordan. He is at one with the wonder and mystery of the
coming Messiah. He holds out his hand, inviting the viewer to
choose trust and dive fully into the unknown.
Prayer: Breathe deeply as you gaze upon the image below. Imagine
placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel?
Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God.
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