In this second week of Advent, we have a powerful scripture this morning, a kind of holy hellfire prophetic voice coming from one of the most interesting figures in the gospels –John, known as the Baptist.

Though we know little about John directly from gospel stories such as this one, we can glean from mention of him, the circumstances of his life, and the many times Jesus’ disciples and apostles encounters John’s disciples, that his ministry was significant, widespread, well-known, respected, and his message feared. He made even Herod Antipas tremble in fear to the point that he took John’s life, needing to sever John’s very head, as though to remove that accusatory “voice” and God’s all-seeing eye from his conscience and his life!

John was obviously a guy who made a significant impact …