It makes sense, doesn’t it. Hot bands have an opener. So in that context the Chapter 1 heading of the book of Mark makes sense – “John the Baptist Prepares the Way.” Only we know how that goes. As the opening act prepares the way we may still be in the parking lot, or going to find a restroom, or a souvenir tee-shirt. But we have all likely had the experience, the disappointment of arriving just before the appointed time only to find that there is an opening act, though it was not stated on the ticket. But sometimes, sometimes we sit and we listen, and, well, we actually enjoy the opening act. They have something to give us, something of value.
So in that regard, I have always felt a little pity for John the Baptist. He had the hard gig, being the one who prepares the way being the opening act. But of course he had something to say, something of value, so long as people listened and weren’t too fixated on the Headliner.
God can and does work in mysterious ways. That much I am sure of. It occurs to me that sometimes, perhaps often, I miss the message because I am waiting for the headliner to deliver it and ignore the opening act. I am reminded here of Hebrews 13:2: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
It occurs to me... 