THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS

PROCLAMATION

“… The Word of God came unto John son of Zacharias in the wilderness.  And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”  Luke 3:2-3 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, who was a physician (Colossians 4:14) and a travelling companion of the Apostle Paul. (Philemon 1:24)  After the birth of Christ, the child grew and became strong in the spirit.  He was wise and the grace of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:40)  At the age of twelve He was able to converse with the temple elders and teachers, and He impressed all who heard Him with His level of understanding. (Luke 2:42-47)  As Jesus, The Christ,  grew in age and wisdom and favor with The Lord God, so did John, the baptizer.  At age thirty, The Word of God came to John the baptizer (Luke 3:2) and he began to preach in the wilderness of Judea saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:1-2, Mark 1:4-5, and Luke 3:2-4)  This was foretold by the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4, and John 1:23)  Then he said to the multitude that came to be baptized by him in the Jordan river, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee the wrath to come?” (Luke 3:7)  After John told the people, the tax collectors, and the soldiers what to do, he said to all of them that he was baptizing them with water but one will come who will baptize them with The Holy Spirit and fire. (Luke 3:16)  He told the people many things but when John rebuked King Herod for sleeping with his brother’s wife, Herod had John put in prison. (Luke 3:18-20)  The chapter ends with a delineation of the baptism and the genealogy of Jesus, The Christ. (Luke 3:21-38)

 

APPLICATION

John, the baptizer, was special.  His birth was announced by an angel. (Luke 1:11-15)  His mother Elizabeth was old and barren before she conceived him. (Luke 1:5-15)  While he was still in his mother’s womb he recognized the presence of Jesus who was still in Mary’s womb. (Luke 1:38-44)  His attire and diet were different. (Matthew 3:4 and Mark 1:6)  John went about in the wilderness of Judea telling the people to repent because the kingdom of God is at hand. (Matthew 3:2 and Luke 3:2-3)  Believers today need to tell the people in this sin-sick world to repent and prepare for the coming of The Lord.  The end of days is closer than we think.  Spread the gospel in your circle of friends and in your spheres of influence.  Let us be like that voice crying in the wilderness.  Let us tell the people, “Repent, the kingdom of God is near.” (Matthew 4:17)