A Minority Of One Can Be Powerful

Ever felt you’re the only one bothering to speak out against something you consider to be wrong or unfair? That you are shouting out to a world that doesn’t want to hear? You may even feel like ‘a voice in the wilderness’. If so, you’re in good company. The phrase appears in an ancient prophecy, which is quoted in the Book of Matthew: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him”’ (Matthew 3:3 New International Version).

The prophecy was fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist. His mission was to prepare the Jewish nation for the imminent arrival of God’s long-promised Messiah - Jesus. Crowds flocked to hear John’s clear and forthright message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’ (3:2). Those who did so were baptised in the River Jordan.

John dispelled any idea that he was the Messiah himself. He pointed people elsewhere by saying ‘after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit’ (3:11).

The phrase ‘a voice in the wilderness’ has often been used to describe notable people who, against opposition or indifference, have fought for those who were downtrodden, oppressed or forgotten.

William Wilberforce, for example, tirelessly campaigned to abolish the slave trade in Britain and its colonies. The work of Lord Shaftesbury and Dr Thomas Barnardo with poor and orphaned children led to major child welfare reforms. The compassion of William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army, instigated the provision of safe shelter for London’s homeless people and he also persuaded Parliament to raise the age of consent to 16. All of these lone voices risked ridicule and their reputation by speaking out against the social evils of their day.

This generation has seen Nelson Mandela’s successful battle against apartheid and - nearer to home - the ongoing struggle by Baroness Lawrence to get justice for her murdered son Stephen. The world still needs people who are not afraid to speak out against unfairness and bad practices in their communities.

Can one lone voice really do any good? History says ‘yes’.

UK & Ireland War Cry 17 May 2014