1 Chronicles 6:1-81; Ezekiel 8:1-9:11; John 2:1-22
Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. Matthew 3:4 NKJV
John was unrefined in his clothing, food (locust, v 4), and speech (“brood of vipers”, v 7). He was obscure in his location (wilderness, v 1) and he had a simple sermon (“repent”, v 2). He was described simply as a voice (v 3). Also notice that he “came preaching” (v 1). The job was never finished. We don’t need to be someone worth noticing to share the Gospel. There are still souls perishing and we simply need to be a voice, proclaiming Christ. – K. W.
Facing a task unfinished that drives us to our knees,
A need that, undiminished, rebukes our slothful ease,
We who rejoice to know Thee, renew before Thy throne,
The solemn pledge we owe Thee, to go and make Thee known. —F. Houghton
Was John unrefined due to camel hair coat? According to: the site “www.moth-prevention.com/blogs/the-art-of-prevention/camel-hair-fabrics”, “a Bactrian camel’s undercoat is extremely soft. The job of the undercoat is to insulate the camel and keep them warm. This soft undercoat is what most camel hair fabrics, particularly garments, are made from.” Additionally, “Camel hair is an excellent insulator. Its thermostatic properties work to keep camels warm during frigid and snowy winters in the mountains, while also helping them stay cool in the hot desert sun. Fabrics made from camel hair share these same properties, …” Rather than being “unrefined”, his garments were the ideal garments for where he lived.