Who cares what John ate? Well, actually what Luke is telling us is that John was a legitimate prophet. Prophets lived a very austere lifestyle and camel hair clothing would be the inexpensive option. The locusts and honey would be what was available free of charge. There is something to say about how the opulence of our nation has deadened our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. I know that it’s possible to have wealth and be sensitive to the Spirit, but that’s an ability that few have; most of us are too tempted by our “things” to set them aside to follow Christ radically.
Recently I misplaced a valuable tool (still can’t find it) and I was surprised at how it impacted my mood and thoughts. It was a reminder to me that our stuff can get a hold on us that we might not even be aware of. I found myself asking God to forgive me for being so frustrated simply because I lost something so insignificant. That tool has no spiritual value, and I could replace it without any problems…but that hadn’t stopped me from complaining about it. That was the problem.
Towards the end of the chapter there are two images given: a tree that doesn’t produce fruit and wheat being winnowed. Both are illustrations of what happens to those who don’t accept Christ’s message. If we don’t produce fruit (become obedient, transform) we will suffer the same fate as the chaff from the wheat, destruction in the fire. Judgment isn’t a popular theme these days, when the general mood is one of acceptance and tolerance of everyone and every religion, but popular or not, it’s still the truth. There is a day of judgment coming and anyone who has rejected Jesus Christ or His message is going to pay an eternal price.
PR