Preparing the Way for Jesus

Preparing the Way for Jesus

 “I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”–
³ “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.'”

 

I began reading the book of Mark. I find Mark somewhat of a minimalist, as he often leaves me wanting more details, or background, or information about the stories and events.  But his book serves a great purpose-purely and simply the announcement of the words and works of Jesus. Commentators say that the simple and straightforward approach suited the Roman culture of the day. And it prepares his readers to meet and encounter Jesus, the Lord of All.

As for me, I need someone to get me to the point! I need to declutter! All the events of 2020 have left me in a place of loss, confusion, and at times, even stagnant! So I am reading the Gospel of Mark! As I open my Bible, I pray, “Help me to hear you today, Lord! Holy Spirit, make the words come alive to me and take me deeper!”

Mark begins his Gospel with John the Baptist, the one chosen by God to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ, Messiah. To prepare the was for him and tell the world he is here.  John was the first prophet of God to appear to the Jewish people in 400 years! And, it appears from the verse 5, that the people were hungry for a word from God! They flocked to him! They repented and were baptized! They brought others to see him. News of his popularity reached Jerusalem and the Temple leaders came to hear this Prophet! (Matthew 3:5-6)

Don’t you, too, miss God when He is silent? When it has been a while since you heard a word from Him, sensed His presence, or were sure of an answered prayer?  For me, I feel a void and deep emptiness in His times of silence. I seek to understand the silence. My head knows He is still with me, but my heart hurts! I want the comfort of His love and grace to surround me.

Then, God, after 400 years of silence with your chosen people, you burst back on the scene with power and with clarity and with assurance of your love! “Repent! Turn from you sin-your doubt and unbelief!” Let the water baptism be a visible sign of a new and clean heart. You left no doubt in those gathered along the River Jordan that their God was silent no more!

I humbly, thank you Lord, for the firm voice of John who prepared the way for Jesus those 2000 years ago! He spoke your word with power and with passion, pointing the way to Christ!! He reminds me of the way you prepare us -even now-to receive Jesus into our hearts.

• You woo us and love us.
  • You call us by name.
    • You remind us how much we need a Savior,
      • How lonely and desperate we are without you.
• Then we, too, repent and cry out, “Yes, Jesus! Come fill this empty void within me.
• Love me to perfection, to be like you, the rest of my life!”
• The Holy Spirit comes and takes up residence in our hearts!

O God! Who does that? What other faith is there whose deity comes down to earth, lives and loves as a human, dies for the sins of all, and then takes up residence in its own creation? Only You!  Only You are God! Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Calling us to love you, believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, and then live our lives becoming like you!

Holy, righteous, generous, forgiving, broken loving….

Thereby creating a path for all that we meet and know to find you in us!

The circle of faith-a faith characterized by Grace, which you freely give to those who believe!

I am awed and amazed and humbled by your plan. Thank Father for calling me by name, for covering me with your grace, and then for using me, even me to:

Prepare the way for someone else to meet Jesus.