Coming to Life: 30-Day DevotionalSample

A Voice in the Wilderness

The Old Testament closed with anticipation of a messenger who would prepare the way. Isaiah spoke of a voice crying in the wilderness. Malachi promised a messenger who would come before the Lord Himself.

That messenger was John the Baptist. Clothed in camel’s hair, eating locusts and honey, he called Israel to repentance. His message was urgent: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

John’s ministry was not about himself but about the One coming after him. When he saw Jesus, he declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” In one statement, John identified Jesus as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb, the suffering servant, and the redeemer of humanity.

John’s baptism was with water, but he pointed to a greater baptism — Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire. The old was giving way to the new. The long silence since the prophets was breaking with the voice of John, preparing the way for Christ.

John’s humility is striking. Though crowds flocked to him, he confessed he was not the Messiah. His joy was complete in seeing Jesus take center stage. “He must increase, but I must decrease,” John later said.

The voice in the wilderness still calls us today: prepare the way of the Lord. Repentance is the doorway to the Kingdom. Recognizing Jesus as the Lamb of God is the foundation of faith.

As we wait for Christ’s return, we are called to be voices in the wilderness — pointing people to Jesus, not ourselves.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you hear John’s call to repentance speaking into your life today?
2. In what ways can you point others to Jesus as John did?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for sending John to prepare the way for Jesus. Help me to prepare the way for You in my own heart through repentance. Make me a voice that points others to Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Amen.