Voice Crying in the Wilderness

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'”

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages. Luke 3:1-14

Voice Crying In The Wilderness

It takes a strong heart and faith standing up to viciour cruelty beamingwith a smile and genuine love. 

It doesn't demand athletic prowess or brave physical heroism but rather requires a warrior's spirit zealous for justice. It takes sleepless nights of praying, tears of hope and fear to be a witness for God in this very broken world.

Today we need more Desmonds, more Theresa more Martin, we need voices crying against the destruction of water, lands and dreams. We need more who will stand up to greed and cruelty,more who will defy the powners that be and more who will stand with the broken and defiled. Change the dialogue and scream if you must but be a warrior for God. Let no legacy of love be forgotten, no deed of kindess untold, no tears or laughter, lullaby nor lament go without memory and action.