Prepare the way for the Lord

Rev Enoch Thompson | JANUARY 8, 2023 | MATTHEW 3:1-6

KEY VERSE:

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

A voice of one calling in the desert,'

Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.'"Matt 3:3 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Matthew 3 introduces the ministry of John the Baptist, the first of five witnesses to the King presented in Matthew 3 and 4). He must have been an interesting figure to behold; “John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.” (Matt 3:4). He dwelt in the wilderness, an austere personality.

But the most fascinating thing about John the Baptist for reflection today is the message that he carried. His message shaped his thinking and behaviour and inspired his preaching.

Israel had sinned against the God who chose them in Abraham to be that nation through which all humankind will receive salvation, the God who saved them from slavery in Egypt and gave them victory over nations more populous and better skilled at war than them and gave them the inheritance of their enemies round about them.

Israel had desired to be like the nations and had actually adopted the gods of the nations as their gods. The Law given through Moses had become a mechanical system of religious formality, and the Temple in Jerusalem had become a national pride from which the divine presence was soon to move away.

The message of John was “REPENT, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR!” “PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD!!” MAKE STRAIGHT PATHS FOR THE LORD!!!”

Don’t we need a voice like John’s for our day? When Christianity has become a formality, ceremonies without deities, and marketing strategies of group manipulation. When there is no love among people in the church. When men of low spiritual fervour measure themselves by themselves and seek worldly acclamation. When the pulpit is turned into a comedian’s stage, church services are reduced to caricatures of apprentice showmanship, and singers of what is dubbed “GOSPEL” must dress like some forgotten characters of Hollywood. Don’t we need a voice to cry in the wilderness, “REPENT, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR!” “PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD!!” MAKE STRAIGHT PATHS FOR THE LORD!!!”

When the rapture is around the corner, and the trumpet could sound any moment are we not attentive to the voice that shouts in our wilderness, “REPENT, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR!” “PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD!!” MAKE STRAIGHT PATHS FOR THE LORD!!!”

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Are there known sins in your life? Confess them to the Lord, He will forgive you. You can make straight paths for the Lord in your life. Whether He comes now or in the next century, He will come into your heart and live in and through you.

Pray for grace to live a holy life in which God lives and moves and gives expression to His being.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, I repent of all known and unknown sins and ask that you help me to live a life prepared for your coming, every day and in all my ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!