Be Prepared – Luke 3:4

As it is written in the book of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ~Luke 3:4

My friend once described herself as an ‘event cleaner’. Someone who really gets stuck into a thorough clean just before the guests arrive. I had to smile, because I identify with that. When I know someone special is coming over, I put in extra effort to make my place look as good as it can. The rest of the time things seem to accumulate. Other things take priority, or I get busy, or tired.

There are times when my spiritual life gets a little messy too. Things accumulate and weigh me down. I hold onto past hurts longer than I should, before offering forgiveness. I allow ‘stuff’ to make demands on my time and focus. But if I knew that Jesus was coming today…

John said it plain and straight. ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ There is urgency in his voice as he implored those who came to hear to repent and be ready with open ears and hearts to receive Jesus.  He earnestly desired people to position themselves to see and receive God’s salvation.

God’s desire is for us to live in the restored relationship that Jesus paid for. What ‘things’ might need clearing away today as we prepare the way for the Lord…

Dear God,
Please reveal the things I need to clear from my life. Help me to deal with them. Thank you for your love and mercy. In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Georgie Schuster