John the Baptist

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make His paths straight.’” Matthew 3:1-12 (NKJV)

He was the prophet from Malachi with a message from God for all.
From the desert he came with a mighty voice issuing a clarion call.
His was the voice in the wilderness, the one to prepare the way,
To announce the Redeemer for all mankind, sent by the Ancient of Days.

Knowing that Jesus would soon appear, he proclaimed the need to repent.
Intuitively they knew his message was true so off to the desert they went.
With preaching bold, appearance austere, the message decreed crystal clear,
The Baptist came confronting sin. Many came forth to be baptized by him.

Some Pharisees came to hear John preach, men in the culture respected.
Along with them were Sadducees, leaders politically connected.
Knowing their hearts were far from God, nothing but spiritual fakes,
The Baptist called them what they are: a band of vipers and snakes.

“Here’s the problem with you,” he said, as he looked them in the eye.
“Your great pride and vanity will condemn you when you die.
Seeing no need for humble repentance, you have drawn God’s ire
He will gather wheat to His barn; the chaff will be burned in the fire.”

What if John was preaching to you and you were living afar?
Would you continue without a clue living the way you are?
What will it take for your heart to be stirred? Can’t you see the end is near?
When will you decide to heed God’s word? The signs are increasingly clear.

These are the questions we all must ask as we walk through life on earth.
We must act before time has passed to experience His new birth.
He will not deprive you of fun or joy. Your life He is sure to fulfill.
You will feel fully alive when you surrender to His will.

© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved