John the Baptist.
We think he baptized in the southern area, towards the Dead Sea at Al-Maghtas, also known as Bethabara and/or Bethany Beyond the Jordan. We all know he was a Baptist (Lord have mercy!) but with this new insight I assume he was the founder of the Southern Baptists. I have no problem with that; David Platt turned out fine!
This morning I hear JB answering, “No, I am not Elijah.” Apparently, they both shopped at the same clothing store, but John did not know that he actually was the Elijah that Malachi had mentioned. However, God had simply not given John that revelation yet.
It reminds me of Abraham’s calling. “Come on out, leave everyone/everything behind, and I am not going to tell you where you will be going.” Later on, when he got there, Abraham figured it out.
John, too, was no dummy. He figured it out.
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if, when was in prison, John didn’t try to call down fire onto Herod.
I would have.