Covenant Reformed News – October 2014 • Volume XV, Issue 6
This article examines John the Baptist's role as a preacher through the lens of Isaiah 40:3 and its New Testament fulfillment accounts, emphasizing how Scripture highlights John's voice as a messenger of God's Word rather than his physical characteristics. The author provides detailed exegetical analysis of the temporal markers in Luke 3:1-2, demonstrating the historical precision and significance of dating John's ministry alongside the reigns of seven contemporary political and religious leaders. The piece underscores the Reformed understanding of preaching as a vital means through which God's authoritative Word is proclaimed and demands a listening response from God's people.
The Voice Crying in the Wilderness (1) Notice what the Bible highlights regarding John the Baptist. It is not his face or body for he is not a model. It is not his personality for he is not a celebrity. It is not his hands as if he were a craftsman. It is not his feet as though he were a runner or an athlete. Scripture highlights John’s “voice.” This is not because it had a beautiful or melodious pitch or tone. John’s voice is emphasized because of what it proclaimed: God’s Word! John is...