The 'Voice'

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

I am the voice... 

Today we actually have an American reality program,

 a singing competition, on NBC. 

The concept, as you may know, is to find new singing talent.

The winner is determined by the viewers votes.

The winner walks away with a substantial check and a recording contract.

John is not in a competition for his ability to sing.

John is quoting the Old Testament prophet, 

Isaiah when he answers the question.

The officials sent from Jerusalem wanted to know

if what they had heard about him was true.

How is it that a person could claim to be nothing but a 'voice'?

A voice is not something concrete

 and definitely not tangible although unique.

Many people can be identified by their 'voice'.

I have written here in the past about each of us having 

a distinct sound to our voice.

John is not speaking of the sound of his own voice.

He is speaking on behalf of the Messiah.

John does not want to confused with the Messiah.

He is not speaking under false pretenses.

He knows why he has been given his 'voice'.

He is to testify for the coming of the Messiah.

A witness in a court of trial often has 'eye' witnesses.

These people come and speak from their point of truth.

Another person may come and testify to the character of the accused.

This person speaks as the 'voice' of the defendant.

Jesus was being accused of many things, not to mention

claiming to be the Messiah.

John was sent ahead to prepare the way, but he met

with local resistance more often than not.

John never made any claims on his own behalf.

John was sent to do the work of the God.

He baptized with water in the name of the Father.

Preparation for any event includes cleaning up in advance.

The water image was one of cleansing.

The main event was the coming of Jesus, the Messiah.

...one who is coming after me,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.

John was only the 'voice'...

the real person of Jesus was to follow his announcements.

The 'voice' was heard in the distance

 announcing the arrival of someone important in this case 

the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah.

John was the announcer...he was the opening act...

he warmed up the crowd...

He served his purpose and fulfilled his role well.

We are also blessed to be the 'voice' of Jesus to others.

We are invited to speak of the peace of Christ 

to those we meet along the way.

Do not be shy...speak out...

humbly giving all the credit to Our Lord.

We have seen the saving power of God...rejoice and be glad.