THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS

Isaiah 40:3 - “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord.  Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

From the time that sin entered the world, God began announcing that a Redeemer would arrive.  Throughout the pages of Scripture, God unfolds His plan of salvation through Jesus.  The profile of the Redeemer is revealed to us within the Old Testament.  The Redeemer is Jesus; He is God.  He is the One Who would be coming.   The one who cries in the wilderness, who would announce Jesus’ entrance, is John, the baptizer – John, the son of Zacharias.  John is the one spoken of by Isaiah the prophet. 

John would be the herald for the Messiah.  In the history and culture of the day, it was the custom of some Eastern monarchs to send heralds before them to announce that they were on their way.  An envoy would be commissioned to ensure that the roads were safe.  Obstacles had to be cleared away; crooked roads needed to be straightened.  John was calling the people to prepare their hearts because the King was coming. 

John boldly proclaimed that the Messiah would come as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.  Do you know when the announcement of John’s birth was given to his father, Zacharias?  At the time of sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem!

Prayer starter: Lord, prepare our hearts this Christmas to truly celebrate Your first coming and to marvel again at Your glorious sacrifice so that we may have eternal life with You!


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