Preparing the Way

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ”

Matthew 3:1-3 NKJV

How do we prepare the way for something or someone? We can clear obstacles or defeat them. We could provide an introduction to either the person or the subject, thus making the way easier. That is what John did.

How could people be prepared to receive Christ if they didn't recognize their need for Him? How would they know they had a need for Him unless they first acknowledged their sin? One text writes, "John prepared the way for Jesus by preparing others to welcome Him."1

Do we prepare others to welcome Him? Are we preparing the way of the Lord?

Prayer: 

Father,
          We pray as Reverend Charles Halle prayed, O Lord God, at the first coming of your Son Jesus Christ, you sent John the Baptist in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way before Him.
Grant to the ministers of your Word and sacraments the same burning zeal to prepare the way for His coming again; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

1 Tyndale Life Application Bible p 1996