a voice of one calling in the desert,

Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.

Mark 1: 3

A voice of comfort, a promise of end to oppression,

A voice of terror, the unimaginable power of God.

I imagine the Jews of Jesus day were well familiar with these words from Isaiah, clinging to the hope of freedom from Rome and the vindication of the coming kingdom of God. But what did they mean to the gentiles Mark is believed to be writing to here? A brief history lesson, an authentication through prophecy, a context of Jesus' place and time?

John is prepared in the desert for the ministry he leads.

He prepares in the desert the way for Jesus.

Jesus too, retreats to the desert, to prepare for the ministry that changes the world.

In the desert of life, a voice is calling, what will I do to prepare for the Lord?