A Voice in the Wilderness
by Terry Wane Benton
The Pharisees and Sadducees had the larger, more luxurious places to indoctrinate people with their corrupt doctrine. John the Baptist had to find secluded areas in the countryside where he could preach and baptize people.
His was a voice in the wilderness, but word spread that he was even calling the teachers among the Pharisees to “repent.” Word spread that “you’ve got to hear this fellow!” It wasn’t long before folks were streaming out of the cities to hear this wilderness preacher talk about repentance, the kingdom about to come, the wonderful opportunity unfolding, the need for all Israelites to get ready.
The Pharisees watched with much discomfort and disdain. Isaiah 40 had prophesied of this one, this voice in the wilderness. Many people came and were baptized, confessing their sins. The Messiah of so many prophecies was on His way to starting His ministry, and the kingdom of God was about to come. Man’s greatest opportunity was about to unfold.
The voice does not have to come from the elite and materially wealthy in a sparkling gold and silver-laden temple. The voice would be heard from a poor man in poor clothes who ate what he could in the wilderness, locusts and wild honey.
The voice of God is still found in the wilderness, away from the popular ideas and teachings of men. It is not in the popular book sections of the bookstore. It may be over in an obscure corner, maybe found occasionally under some dusty books at someone’s yard sale. It may be pushed aside or burned and banned by a new society that thinks they are more enlightened. But this voice will still be crying out in the wilderness.
You may have to go out of your way to hear God’s word taught, but it is still worth the effort when you know the truth is being spoken there. The voice of God may be spoken and heard in unpopular places, not the popular places where sin is ignored! Listen carefully and seek the voice of truth, no matter how far out into the wilderness you have to travel to hear it! God’s kingdom is waiting for your interest to seek and find!
