The second advent reading for December 6, was Isaiah 40:3-5: A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Referring to a voice of comfort to Israel, at this time Israel was captive in Babylon, modern day Iraq.
This voice spoken to Israel is the good news that they will be released from captivity of 70 years for ignoring God and committing idolatry. They would soon to be allowed to return to their home where they can worship freely and correctly. This voice was not only referencing Israel’s return but also the voice of John the Baptist who many centuries later was a voice calling out once again to Israel about the coming Messiah, our Redeemer. This was the voice of John the Baptist who declared the forgiveness of sins through the Son of God and the Lamb of God for all who come in repentance.
This voice spoke not only to first century Israel, but it also speaks to us today through the public speaking of the Word of God; it must be heard from a speaking voice proclaiming the unadulterated truth of the Gospel. Romans 10:14-15. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! This is the necessity of preaching the Word of God and the importance of hearing it through public worship or at least hearing it through other means of verbal communication. This is indeed a matter of eternal life and death. Nothing can be more serious. Therefore, the preacher/teacher better be true to the Word and grounded in sound doctrine.
There are voices crying out in our spiritual wilderness for people to get right with God. What is required for this? 1. A preacher sent from God, 2. Proclamation of the gospel, 3. Hearing the message, 4. Believing the message.
Are you listening with your heart to the voice of the Holy Spirit as you worship, watch or listen to the Word of God?
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 2:30 Confirmation class.
December 13, 9:00Sunday morning worship. Sermon: There Was a Man John 1:1:6-15
Sunday school for all. Dec. 13, 10:15
No worship service Dec. 24, 27, Jan 3, they will be videoed and available on Facebook and our website at: www.pilotknob.org
