Prepare!

Prepare!

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 KJV

The Charge:

The Lord hates sin. We see this laid out so clearly in the verses just before today's extract. Israel had rebelled against God, and in line with God's Word, severe and terrible consequences followed. Let it be very clear that God does not condone sin, no matter in whom it is found. God will not play favourites when it comes to the very deliberate breach of his commands. Yes, he is a merciful God, but He is also the one called the all-consuming fire. A healthy and progressive knowledge of God will help me watch my walk and work, so that I do not place myself in danger. God punished his people for their sin, but He also showed them mercy. He sent his word of peace, as well as an end to his punishment. We ask God to also send the same word of peace to our nations today.

The same voice that spoke to Israel then speaks to us today. In the dry places of the desert or the highways of the city, the message is still the same: 'Prepare the way of the Lord". The Lord is coming back for a people that are eagerly waiting for Him; men and women who know the call of God upon their lives, and are busy at work. They are committed to preparing men for the return of the Master, and are not seeking fame or fortune. There is no desire for self-promotion, but just a desire to see God lifted high and exalted among men. Even the driest places on earth will get the message of the coming king, and all men will have the opportunity to hear about the good news of Jesus. That is the promise of God, and as we know, He can bring His Word to pass without my help.

The Conclusion:

God does not force anyone to accept or submit to Him, but we know that the benefits and blessings attached to total surrender are amazing. Every crooked path has to be made straight and level. With God, you cannot get away with hypocrisy, eye-service or pretence. How do you make highways if you do not know the value of the One you are preparing for? My heart needs to make space available for God to occupy. The call still goes out to all of us today: the Lord is coming. He is the One with authority, and on the day He comes, repentance will be too late. If I am reading this, it is not too late. While I still have time, I make room for God in my life. I ask Him to walk in and work on me, so that I become all He wants me to be. God's time of favour is here.