SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN

I am the voice of one crying out in the desert.

The Pharisees wanted to know if John the Baptist claimed to be the second coming of one of Israel’s great prophets. Maybe some of them were even aware of the angel’s promise to his father, that John would go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). But instead of pridefully citing his credentials, John deflected the attention away from himself and toward Jesus, declaring, “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert” (John 1:23).

John’s claim may not have been boastful, but it was far from timid. The passage he quoted would have made it clear to his listeners that the One he was announcing was the long-awaited Messiah.

Many people today live in a spiritual desert, a desolate landscape of fear and hopelessness. And God has called you to be a voice that calls out to them and leads them to his side. You might think, “But I’m no John the Baptist!” Of course you’re not. But remember John’s own words: I am no Messiah! (see John 1:20).

John knew he was not as important as Jesus, but neither did he downplay his own significance or that of his mission. The same is true for you. You may not be John the Baptist, but you are a temple of the Holy Spirit. That means you really can direct people toward the way of healing, forgiveness, and eternity.

When an opportunity to share the gospel arises, remember that you are not required to be the answer to someone’s deepest longings and needs. All God is asking is that you share the answer with them. And that answer is Jesus Christ. He can bring healing. He can relieve guilt. He can give hope.

So don’t be overwhelmed by the task of fixing everyone’s problems. Like John, just show the way to the One who can. And don’t be discouraged if you run up against your own shortcomings or sinfulness. Remember that imperfect people can still point the way to a perfect God. In fact, they’re probably the best pointers because they’re on the same path as everyone else! You can be a beacon, lighting the way to the one true source of hope, joy, and salvation.

“Lord, give me the boldness of John the Baptist!”

1 John 2:22-28
Psalm 98:1-4
John 1:19-28