a voice in the wilderness

John 1:19-23
     All the Gospels mention John the Baptist, and they all identify him with that prophetic voice, crying in the wilderness. The Gospel of John gives us more information about this man. It agrees with the synoptic gospels as to his PURPOSE - that of being the forerunner and witness of the Coming Messiah...they speak of his PRACTICE of baptizing converts upon their repentance and faith in his message. The Gospel of John also speaks to the character of John's PERSON.
    In verses 18-27, we read of what John said concerning himself in answer to the question put to him by the delegation sent to him on behalf of the priests and Levites.  Since John's ministry was causing such a stir, they wanted to 'check him out'.
      When they said, "Who are you?", he said, "I am not the Christ."  When they asked whether he might be Elijah (who was prophesied to come; Malachi 4:5-6), or "the Prophet" also prophesied in Deuteronomy 18:15, he answered in the negative.  They then asked, "What do you say of yourself?" An honest enough question, yet, such may put one on the spot when asked.
      What a person has to say of themselves may be prejudiced by personal opinion, or slighted by humility.  Romans 12:3 counsels that one should "not think more highly of himself that he ought to think; but to think soberly..." While Proverbs 27:2 counsels, "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth...". Perhaps the better answer is to get references. See Matthew 11:9-11 for Jesus' testimony of John.
    What did John say of himself? He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the LORD." He was quoting Isaiah the prophet. He was basically telling them that he was not the one with whom they should be concerned, but rather the One for Whom he (John) was preparing the way.  He saw himself as but a voice...
     He did not say, "I am a prophet", though popular opinion was such.
 He did not pay tribute to his popularity by pointing out the great success of his ministry, nor did he allude to his powerful influence. He just said, "I am the voice of one..."
      His was a voice with a message, announcing the need for men and women to prepare for the Coming Messiah.  His was a voice from obscurity and from anonymity, but still a voice.
      We, too, have a voice and a message  that needs to be heard. How are you using your? Not accusing, iust asking.
        The words to "Jesus Saves" were written by Priscilla J. Owen and William J. Kirkpatrick set them to music. The first verse is most familiar, "We have heard the joyful sound - Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Spread the tidings all around - Jesus saves! Jesus saves!..." Lift up your voice, though you be only one.