Have you missed the Lord?

“Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him (John the Baptist) ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:24-27 emphasis mine)

John the Baptist is baptizing with water all those who want to be disciples. The Pharisees are sent to find out who John is and if he is the Messiah. John denies these inquiries and allegations. He does, on the other hand, tell them the Messiah is in their midst at that very moment. How confused they must have been to think the Messiah was among them and yet they, the scholars and devoted faithful of God, are being accused of not recognizing him. How enraged they must have been at John.

John tells the Pharisees (and consequently all those listening) that the Messiah is one that even John the Baptist was not worthy to bend down and untie his sandal. In ancient days people walked everywhere or would ride a donkey. Their feet would become nasty and, consequently, their sandals would be dirty and disgusting. Yet, John says that he is not even worthy enough to clean the dirt off the Messiah’s sandal and remove it for him.

We can easily be in the presence of the president of the United States, a foreign king or queen, or even celebrities and know we are in the company of those who have a name and power. When the president walks on stage in front of a crowd he is greeted with cheers and music. When a TV celebrity or music icon walks into a room, he or she is greeted by everyone clamoring for photos. Jesus, on the other hand, stands in our midst and we do not even see him. The one who is greater than all the celebrities, royalty, and politicians combined goes unrecognized and ignored. Why? He does not come with bands, fanfare, and is not greeted by followers with banners. He is not taking photos or signing autographs.

He is the homeless man on the corner of the sidewalk. He is the elderly woman trying to cross a busy street. He is the single mother struggling to put food on the table for her child. He is man walking to work every day because he cannot afford a vehicle. He is the woman left abandoned and abused by an angry husband. He is the grieving sister standing over a casket. He is the child walking through the school doors fearful of being bullied….again. He is the neglected, ignored, and mistreated. He is the poor, needy, homeless, and struggling individual. He is everything and in everyone this society typically turns the nose up at when encountering.

He is the one you have ignored. He is the one you have turned your face from and pretended not to see him. He is the one who comes, not with fanfare or autographs, but with an outstretched hand of love and opportunity. He is the one who sees you before you see him.

Have you missed the Lord in your presence?