Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make His paths straight…And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Luke 3:4, 6
If
we are to receive the powerful presence of God, we must prepare ourselves. John
the Baptist was God’s messenger to help people prepare to receive the Savior of
the world. John preached unwaveringly: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven at
hand!” (Matt. 3:2). Those who heard John’s message and prepared their lives
recognized Jesus when He came, and they left all to follow Him. This was especially
true of the disciples, whose hearts God Himself prepared (Matt. 16:17).
Preparation must precede God’s presence!
God’s
instruction for preparation is specific: repentance! This involves a complete
change of mind, heart, will, and behavior toward Him. He is Lord, and your life must be prepared to receive Him as your
Lord. Anything less is inadequate. Some were obviously unprepared to follow
Jesus and missed the opportunity (Luke 9:57-62). The religious leaders of
Jesus’ day were largely unprepared for His arrival. They knew the Messiah was
coming. They even knew where He would be born (Matt. 2:4-6). Yet when word came
that the Savior had been born, they made no effort to join Him, preferring
instead their religious ritual.
If
you are unprepared, you, too, will miss the opportunity to experience Jesus.
You may practice religion, but you will miss God. While others encounter the
Lord personally in worship, your heart will remain unmoved. As others receive a
fresh word from God, you will experience a painful silence. Religious activity
can never substitute for a heart that is pure before Him. Purity comes only
through repentance. Pray, as the Psalmist did, that God will examine your heart
and reveal your need to repent of your sin (Ps. 139:23-24).
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