The Voice

Finally they asked, then “Who are you?” (John 1:22)  This was the question posed to John the Baptist by the priests and Levites sent to find out what was going on. 

John had been testifying about Jesus as the Son of God and baptizing new believers.  He had also developed a following of disciples wanting to learn more.  “John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’”. (John 1:23)

Because of their departure from God, Israel had become a dry and barren wilderness.  John had been sent by God to give voice to Christ - the living Word of God, the living water that would bring life to a dry land. 

The Word needs a voice to make it known, and the voice is nothing without the word.

As I was reading, I was reminded of my own times of wilderness.  Plodding through the desert in desperate search of water.  Putting hope in mirages only to find they can’t satisfy.  It turns out that Christ is the only source living water, the only way to never go thirsty again. (John 4:13-14)

As I was reading, I could also relate to being merely the voice.  John wasn’t extra-special.  He didn’t possess great skills or have far-reaching power and influence.  He was simply obedient to God’s call as Christ’s forerunner, to be Christ’s voice until he arrived on the scene. 

John shared what he knew from God’s Word.  He shared his testimony.  (I suspect he had his own share of wilderness rescue experiences.)  And he used both to encourage others to repent and follow the way of Christ.

John was just the voice. 

Something we all can be should be.  In total obedience and humility.

John’s message from God was to make straight the way for the Lord.  Clear the path.  Make room in your life for him to reign over you as Savior and Lord.

Giving voice to God’s Word means hearing it, living it, and then sharing it.  Are you willing to give voice to God’s Word?  Are you willing to make room for it in your life?