Preparing Heart for the Lord
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 36 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 17 2025 | Luke 1:14-17
KEY VERSE: “He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:16-17, NIV)
MESSAGE:
In our previous devotion, “The Joy God Gives,” we observed that God’s promised child, John, would bring joy not only to his parents but also to many. Yet John’s mission goes beyond joy - he is sent to prepare hearts for the arrival of the Messiah. Advent reminds us that before Christ was revealed, God raised a messenger to prepare the way. Preparation is at the heart of Advent. We are not simply waiting; we are preparing - aligning our hearts, renewing our commitments, and clearing space for Jesus Christ to reign. In Luke 1:16-17, the angel explains John’s mission, which yields three key lessons for today’s devotion.
First, Advent Calls Us to Return to the Lord – “He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.” (verse 16). Before the revelation of Jesus Christ, the people needed to turn back to God. Spiritual drift is subtle - often unnoticed - but Advent calls us home.
Secondly, Advent Calls Us to Rebuild Relationships – “to turn the hearts of the parents to their children…” (Verse 17b). God is concerned not only with our vertical relationship but also with our horizontal relationships. The gospel brings healing to families, marriages, friendships, and communities. A prepared heart is a reconciled heart.
Finally, Advent Calls Us to Live Prepared – “and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous…” (Verse 17c). John’s mission was to make ready a people who could recognise Christ when He came. Today, we prepare for His presence in our lives and His future return. Preparedness is expressed in repentance, holiness, love, service, and sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading. God continues to call His people to prepare the way of the Lord in their hearts and in the world around them.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What area of your life may need to “turn back” toward God this Advent? Is there a relationship God may be calling you to seek healing or reconciliation with? Preparation involves repentance, relational healing, spiritual attentiveness, and a renewed desire for God.
PRAYER:
Dear Father, prepare my heart for Your presence. Turn me from anything that draws me away from You. Heal the relationships in my life that need Your touch, and make me ready to welcome Christ with renewed faith and obedience. Empower me, like John, to help others draw closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: TO MAKE READY The phrase “to make ready” comes from the Greek kataskeuazō, meaning to prepare thoroughly, to set in proper order, to make fully equipped. It points to intentional readiness rather than surface adjustment.
John’s mission was not to announce arrival alone, but to cultivate inner readiness. Hearts had to be turned, minds reshaped, and lives aligned so people could recognise the Lord when He came.
Reflect on this:
God prepares people before He reveals His presence. Readiness grows as hearts are reordered to welcome Him fully.
