Luke 3:2 – 6 “The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As is written in the words of Isaiah the prophet:
A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight, and the rough ways smooth.
And all mankind will see God’s salvation.'”
Can you imagine the president of the United States or the queen of England knocking on your door for an unexpected visit? Of course not! We know that would never happen. When a royal person or an important diplomat makes a journey, people are always sent ahead to prepare the way. The queen would send her royal entourage. The president would send the CIA. And Jesus, the King of kings, sent John the Baptist.
John’s message was to anyone and everyone who would listen: Get ready! The Messiah, the Promised One, is coming! Unfortunately, most of the people of that day ignored the notice. Even today, people still aren’t listening, still aren’t getting ready.
Did you know that Jesus wants to come to your place of residence – your heart? He doesn’t want to make it a short visit, either. Rather, he wants to take up residence there. He wants to have an intimate, life-changing relationship with you. He has done everything in His power to prepare You for His arrival. He wants to do great things in your life, and He wants you to get ready.
Still, we ignore the call. We are too busy, or too stubborn, or too lazy to prepare our hearts for Him. So when the Son of God arrives, we either turn Him away, or we invite Him in, only to pretend He’s not there.
Are you prepared for God to work in your life, my friend? Are you spending time in His Word, and in prayer, so that when He shows up, you will be ready? Prepare the way. You’ll be glad you did.
Dear Jesus, I’m so glad You want to spend time with me, and do great things in my life. Please help me to prepare the way for You.
Amen
For a second cup, see: John 1:28, 11:49, 51, 18:13; Acts 4:6; Matthew 3:1,3; Mark 1:3 – 4; Luke 1:77; Psalm 98:2; Isaiah 2:10, 40:3, 52:10
Dear Renae,
I think I am a looser when it comes to prepare way for the Lord.
Oh, he has had a hard time educating me.
There’s always so many other things filling my day.
It therefore is good to be here drinking morning coffee with you, with the Bible at my left hand side.
The evil always want me to see how bad I have faltered.
Your writing inspires me to go on forwards from where I am just now.
Fetch a broomstick and make way.
(I guess it’s a Chinese saying, If every man sweeps before his own door, the whole world will become clean).
I cannot do much, but I can do my best where I am.
And His grace is new, every day.
Thanks for uplifting me.
From Felisol
I’m so glad you’re here, Felisol. I’ve missed you! Yes, I feel the same way about God’s Word. It strengthens me and gives me energy to keep going. I like the Chinese saying, and it is true. We can’t control the rest of the world, and we can’t control what others do. But we can take care of our own hearts, can’t we?
Thanks for stopping by!
Renae, neat comparison of John the Baptist to the CIA. I would never have thought of that! 🙂
LOL, Cheryl. I’m not sure how he would have looked in a black suit and sunglasses, though. All that messy hair would have stood out too much! 😉
I’m not sure the CIA would be too flattered, either! Ha ha! But seriously, this is the place where I fail so much. Sometimes I feel like the woman who let her lamp run out of oil. But I don’t want the bridegroom’s coming to catch me by surprise…
Thanks for this great post, Renae!
From what I know of you, Jeanette, I think you’ll be ready. 🙂