A Voice Crying in the Night

John 1:6-8, 19-28

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,'” as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ 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.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

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I still remember the first 6 months of being a first time Dad.  While it is a long time ago, the “boot camp” of the growth from being a Wife and Husband to becoming a Mom and Dad overnight is both wonderful and stressful all at once.  This change echoes into Eternity.  But, ultimately, through the process of serenity, we are all eventually humbled into remembering that our Children are in fact His children – as we all are.  We are mere stewards for a time.  John the Baptist clearly knew this from the beginning.  He was just “warming-up” the Jewish crowds for Christ.  And, he also knew that he was nothing compared to Christ.  It is up to us, through Christ, to stay focused on the task in front of us.  Just like we are to hear the calling of our Children in the middle of the night, as newborn Believers, we are to make sure that we always hear the Voice of our Savior.  He is the Voice in the wilderness – He is the Infinite Lord and our Souls cry out to Him.  If you are ever wondering what the Lord is calling you to do, “seek” His answers for you in the Word.  “So I tell you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9