Led into the Wilderness

And the child grew and became strong in spirit[d], and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Luke 1:80

Too many things are strange about John the Baptist. First, he was conceived just when his parents had given up all hopes of ever having a child. And in his mother’s womb he was full of the Holy Ghost. When he came out of the womb, naming him was surrounded by so much controversy but God’s will prevailed. Honestly, if you ask me, that’s probably enough drama for a lifetime but not John, he was just getting started. 

Speaking about his growing up, Luke said “he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel” This could mean that John was in the wilderness until the time came that he was to appear before and be examined by the Sanhedrin who judged a person’s fitness and qualifications for the priesthood, in order to be admitted into it; which would happen around when he was thirty years of age.

It could also mean when he appeared in his prophetic office and showed himself to the people of Israel; to whom he came preaching the doctrine of repentance and remission of sins, administering the ordinance of baptism, giving notice of the near approach of the Messiah, and pointing him out unto the people. 

Whichever way you look at his time of showing, one thing preceded that; he was in the wilderness. 

What is it about God and wilderness training? Like John, Jesus was also led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Mark tells us that during those forty days, the angels came to minister to him but more importantly, after this experience, miracles began to happen and “…his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee” Mark 1:28

As for John, this wilderness experience did something to him, he grew and became strong in spirit. So strong in the Spirit that he took no thought of his life. He spoke the truth to power in his lifetime. He was a mighty man. In describing him Jesus said he, “…grew and became strong in spirit…” Matthew 11:11

If the wilderness is where God mould men, why aren’t we all there? Well, because it’s a wilderness. It’s a place where nothing grows. When a man is in a place where nothing grows, he is forced to learn contentment, to manage what is available, to keep hope alive for his next meal to be strong in moments where there is nothing. Such are the skills we learn in the wilderness moment of our lives but if we learn them, we are better prepared for the days of abundance. 

Is it your old wilderness moment yet? If it is, please don’t run in circles looking for a greener pasture, stay there and let God form you. When he is done with you, the mighty man of valour that will emerge out of you will surprise you.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, if I find myself in a wilderness season, grant me the strength to embrace it as a time of formation and preparation. Help me to learn the lessons of contentment, reliance on your provision, and resilience. May this season be a time of deepening dependence on you, shaping me for the purpose you have ordained for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.