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, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.

Luke 3: 4b-6

In ancient times when a king was going to visit a city, he would send a herald before him to announce his coming. The herald would go around the city shouting, ‘The king is coming!’ Upon hearing this the city dwellers would clean up their streets, fix the roads and lock up the criminals to avoid being punished.

John the Baptist, heralds Christ’s coming in like manner. He calls out ‘in the desert,’ which signifies a time of great oppression (perhaps because, at that time, the Jews were ruled by foreigners who did not fear God). He preaches a baptism of repentance calling the people to turn from all their wicked ways, so that their sins might be forgiven. John quotes from Isaiah 40: 3-5 to remind his listeners that this was indeed the long-awaited Messiah. This is the One who would sit on the throne of his father David, the same One who would rule Israel forever, and of is Kingdom there would be no end.

Today, the Holy Spirit calls believers to prepare the way for the Lord, Jesus Christ. Just like in John’s time, the Holy Spirit calls out in the ‘desert,’ of our lives saying, “Prepare the way for the Lord.’ It is time to get ready for the King, dear believer. As Paul reminds us, “…now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2b).” this is the time to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) for tomorrow may be too late. Prepare the way for the Lord!

Loving Father, forgive us when we spend so much precious time attending to the frivolous demands of our modern culture instead of preparing for your coming. Quicken our spirits Lord, so we may hear your fast approaching footsteps. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN!