Prepare A Pathway

Prepare A Pathway

Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: ‘Prepare a pathway for the Lord’s coming! Make a straight road for him!’ ” –Matthew 3:3

We may get frustrated with the potholes and patches in our modern-day highway system, but the roads in ancient times were truly terrible. So when a king was preparing to visit a certain area, special roads were created to make his journey as easy and direct as possible. A message was sent to the people to prepare for his coming by repairing “the king’s highway.”

The prophet Isaiah had this picture in mind as he foretold of John the Baptist who would prepare the way for Israel’s coming King, the Messiah. John was the “voice shouting” for people to prepare not their roads but their hearts for the coming of Jesus. Preparing a pathway for this King requires repentance—turning away from everything opposed to God and turning wholeheartedly toward him. If we want to experience and enjoy the presence of God, repentance clears the pathway for him to come to us.

When the people asked John what they should do as a result of their repentance, he was very practical. “If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry” (Luke 3:11). To tax collectors he said, “Show your honesty” (verse 13). To soldiers, “Don’t extort money, and don’t accuse people of things you know they didn’t do. And be content with your pay” (verse 14). When we truly repent and welcome God into our lives, even what we see as ordinary aspects of life change significantly. Generosity replaces selfishness and greed. Honesty replaces shady business deals. Self-control replaces violence, and a contented spirit replaces complacency.

Do you have mountains of stubborn opinions or valleys of pleasure-seeking habits that need to be removed? Do you need to clear out obstacles of religious ritual or debris from lingering conflict? To experience a breakthrough of intimacy with God, you will need to clear out everything that has cluttered his pathway into your life. God wants to build a highway into your life so he can come and dwell there. Will you clear a pathway for his presence?

King Jesus, I don’t want any unconfessed sin or unimportant concerns to obstruct your presence in my life. So with humble repentance and grateful anticipation, I welcome you to come into my life and take your throne here.

DIGGING DEEPER