Luke 3:4, 6 Prepare the way of the
LORD; Make His paths straight…And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
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 is 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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