Prepare the Way of the Lord
Luke 3:3-6
John was in the wilderness and the Word of God came to him and he went to all the country around Jordan preaching baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He was, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” Spiritually speaking, the nation was in a wilderness; lost and they had no vision. Sinfulness had bound their lives; no fruit, cheerless and hopeless. In order for them to come to the Lord they had to make a moral change.
John called the nation of Israel to repent of its sins in order to receive forgiveness, and thus prepare the way of the Lord, the coming Messiah. John was a true prophet crying out against sin and calling for spiritual renewal through repentance and baptism for the remission of sin. When a king was going to make a visit in those days he would send workers to make a straight road and make it as smooth as possible as he traveled upon it. This is what John called upon the people to do; only it was not a matter of repairing literal roads but preparing their own hearts to receive Him as King and Savior.
The effects of Jesus coming into our hearts, is as follows:
- Every valley shall be filled - those who are truly repentant and humbled would be saved and satisfied.
- Every mountain and hill shall be brought low - people like the Scribes and Pharisees, who where haughty and
arrogant, would be humbled.
- The crooked places shall be made straight - those who are dishonest, like the tax collectors, would have there
characters straightened out.
- The rough ways shall be made smooth - solders and others with rough, crude temperaments would be tamed
and refined.
The results would be that all flesh both Jew and Gentiles would see the Salvation of the Lord. His reign will bring blessings, glory, power, justice, truth, prosperity, mercy, and grace to all who receive Him now and forever, Amen.
Like John, we need to cry out: To those in a desert, that are dry and thirsty for the Living Water of spiritual salvation. To those in the valley; defeated and broken because of sin…there is redemption and forgiveness. Every mountain shall be brought low. Those who struggle with bondage's and habits can find a smooth path they can walk on and find a life filled with hope and praise. Those who wander on the crooked roads that are filled with lies and deception can live out the truth and over come the lies and the dishonesty that once bound their lives and become honest, transparent, open and never fear the truth again. Those on a rough road; who have a harden heart closed round with walls that, shut them in and others out, with bitterness and anger who causes them pain of rejection all their lives. To those, God heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. Freedom from the past, joy for the present and hope for the future. The results are all flesh both Jew and gentile will see the salvation of the Lord.
When we live our lives to glorify God we bring Him praise and honor. To be like John the Baptist we must do three things:
1. Share with others about God’s amazing love. Start with friends and family; win as many people to Jesus as you can.
2. Have spiritual goals, such as: my time, my talents, my serving, my giving, and to be more loving, more prayerful, more passionate a life lived out in holy fervor for the Lord.
3. Have Godly priorities like: (1)What would Jesus do (2)Seek the Kingdom of God (3)Not forsaking His House of Worship, and (4) Be a blessing to others.
May you, prepare the way of the Lord in your heart this season to share Jesus with everyone you meet. May the joy of His love be with you and your family throughout, the New Year!
God bless you all,
Pastors Russell and Yolanda Duley
