NOTES for Joh 1:19-28

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness.” Taken out of context, these words sound like a cry of loneliness; they sound desperate. A person crying out in the wilderness will most likely be heard by no one. But John is not the one crying in the wilderness; he is his voice. A voice in the wilderness is alone, yet it cannot fail to be heard if there is anyone there to listen.

Absolute solitude is always waiting. John waits with great intensity; in the wilderness of solitude, one cannot fail to hear the footsteps of Him who can fill every solitude. That is why John becomes a hermit: to be the first to hear and prepare the way, to become a voice for those who cannot hear for themselves.

These words can be a consolation to those who feel lonely. In solitude, one hears more clearly. Perhaps God gives us solitude so that, amid the noise and haste of modern life, it may be easier for us to discern His quiet voice, His call, His knock on the still-closed doors of our heart. And if we open them, the wilderness will be filled with God's light and joy.