Network Discipling Ministries

A TIMELESS VOICE

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” – Matthew 3:3

Read First: Matthew 3:1-4; John 1:19-28

When John the Baptist came out of the wilderness of Judea preaching the gospel of the kingdom, his voice was so strong and powerful that it caught the attention of the masses. The Bible says that the effect of John’s preaching was so electrifying that people came from everywhere—Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the districts around the Jordan River (Matthew 3:5).

Like mighty shockwaves from a mega earthquake, the message of the coming kingdom of God shook the foundations of the religious establishment of the nation of Israel and the surrounding Roman province. Religious leaders were caught completely off-guard, because they never heard the Word preach with such pointed clarity and power; and more so, as the preacher was not a graduate from their “sacred” institutions.

Consequently, after much inquiry which unmasked their utter ignorance and confusion with regard to John’s identity, they pressed him to present his ministerial credentials. “Who are you?” What do you say of yourself?” Why are you baptizing people if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” (John 1:22-25). John’s answer was simple but very strong. “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said (John 1:23, NRSV)

It is very interesting and important to observe that as soon as John’s powerful, fearless voice was silenced through imprisonment, followed by death; Jesus immediately began His ministry preaching the very message of John—repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:12, 17). Noticeably, this was the exact message He gave to His disciples when He sent them forth to preach the good news to the lost sheep of the house of Israel—the very ones who were suppose to herald that same message in the first place (Matthew 10:1-8). How ironic indeed!

Both Jesus and His disciples became the extension of John’s voice proclaiming the timeless message of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus also said that this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matthew 24:14). Sadly, this message of the kingdom is seldom heard today. It has been replaced by messages which cater for the whim and fancy of earth-bound pilgrims, and for the private agendas of and their institutions.

Finally, it is very important to remember that while the earthly credentials of men may serve their purposes, the Almighty does not depend on them for what He requires to advance His kingdom. What God needs today are humble, faithful voices who will cry aloud in the wilderness of these modern days, the timeless message given by John, Jesus and His disciples: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Indeed, if there was ever a time that this message needs to be clearly heard, that time is right now. Would you be a voice for God today?

Notes:

1. Teachings focused on individual church and private agenda
2. Placing human reason and self at the center of the Christian experience.