Highways From Heaven

Read: Matthew 3:1-3

Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him! Matthew 3:3

IN WORD

John the baptizer played a unique role in God’s Kingdom. He was a prophetic carryover from the Hebrew Scriptures to the time of the Messiah, the trailblazer who prepared a path for God-in-the-flesh. People flocked to him because many had long wondered if a true prophet would come to Israel in their lifetime. John fit the description, looking a lot like the common perceptions of Elijah. He was the one who piqued hearts and prepared them for an encounter with Jesus.

In one sense, John’s role is unique, never to be repeated. In another sense, it’s to be repeated every day by us. We’re followers of Jesus, of course, not of John. And we have the Spirit of the Holy One within us so we can walk in the works of Jesus Himself. But we also perform a prophetic, John-like function in preparing other hearts to encounter Jesus for themselves. We make paths straighter, removing obstacles and twists that might hinder His work in their lives. In reflecting His image and walking in His purposes, we pave a highway for Him into the lives of people who need Him.

How can we do that? For one thing, we can represent Him well. We welcome those on the margins, meet the needs of the suffering and brokenhearted, offer healing and hope to the hurting and hopeless, and speak inviting words that give vision to those who hear them. When we express His attitudes and actions, we prepare for Him. And when we don’t . . . well, we don’t.

IN DEED

Christendom is full of people who speak harsh words when kindness is more appropriate, lecture about their own beliefs rather than being patient with those of others, create noise when they should be listening, act holy when they really aren’t. The Kingdom doesn’t need any more of those. It needs highway pavers who know how the King rides in, people who express His heart appropriately and trust Him with the results. Like John, we may shake some things up and ruffle the status quo. But Jesus will come in on paths designed for Him.

ADDITIONAL READING: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

The real mark of a saint is that he makes it easier for others to believe in God.

ANONYMOUS