John 10:39 Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and left them.40 He went beyond the Jordan River near the place where John was first baptizing and stayed there awhile.41 And many followed him. “John didn’t perform miraculous signs,” they remarked to one another, “but everything he said about this man has come true.”42 And many who were there believed in Jesus.
John the Baptist was known for coming out of the wilderness to baptize a repentance baptism for the people and he told of the coming Messiah. Here is how John announced his own purpose in all of the events in John 1:23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” John told what would happen when Jesus came and the above scripture tells of the people's realization that everything John told would happen did happen! The Son of God's coming was foretold throughout scripture, but in real time it was told by John who was that "voice crying in the wilderness." It was a wilderness truth!!
Before the following verses Jesus makes a defining statement about the sheep of His pasture. If you have received Jesus by faith you are one of His sheep and no one can take you out of his hands. We are sealed with His promise! There are many who are falling away from the faith because of one reason or another and it is a little discouraging to see this happen. Especially when some of the people are well respected in Christian circles. Do not follow their examples, but follow the Savior and Him alone. We are in the last days before Jesus comes for His church and there will be many things happening that may scare us, but don't despair and keep telling others about this great salvation. Jesus spoke of the future in Matthew 24 and the scripture reads 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
There may be a little fear, doubt, and confusion mixed in with your faith right now, but let me encourage you to hold to the faith and hold on to Jesus. He is our only hope, but He is our best hope!! Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” God is all-powerful and His investment in our security and hope has to be premiered in our thinking. You may feel like you are in a type of wilderness right now with all that is going on in our world that seems so evil. But do not despair and do not quit because is in control and He will not leave us and He will not forsake us. Not my words, but His!!
May you be a new voice crying from the wilderness of our present and may your voice proclaim that Jesus will save us and that He is our only hope!! Shout it out loud!!
The Pilgrimage Continues
David Warren
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