Prepare The Way

Our God makes promises.

To some extent this is pretty peculiar and unique to the God of Scripture. Some of these promises are known as “covenants”, a binding contract between two parties. I am not familiar with any other god making the promises our God makes, or any at all.

Our God keeps His promises.

Anyone can make a promise but not everyone keeps them. Not everyone is able to keep their promises. We can make them with the best of intentions but then something happens, plans change, and we no longer can fulfill what we said.

Jesus ministered in the midst of political and social upheaval.

As we open up Luke 3 we see there is a time stamp as to when Jesus started to minister. Herod the Great had passed a way, to the relief of many, yet his sons were not much better. Rome was in control but not many liked them.

The spiritual leaders were more concerned with their status and power.

Religion could at times be oppressive and lacked the grace, mercy, love and truth of the OT.

John the Baptist points back to help others look forward.

Not everything from our history is a bad thing. Not everything is a good thing. He quotes from Isaiah 40.1-5. The coming of the true king of Israel was not unexpected but it was a surprise.

We need to repent. Turn to God.

Repent is not just turning from something but it is more importantly turning to God.

Creation prepares the way, so should we!

The point of Isaiah and John quoting it is not that we would start an road project but take the steps to be ready for the King to come.

Advent helps us be ready to hear Jesus’ salvation.

The season of Advent is not just about what Jesus did but also about what He is doing.

We need to see Jesus’ glory.

The Isaiah passage reminds us the glory of God would be seen by all. Luke tells us this is found in the person of Jesus. He is the glory of God, do you see it in Him?

We need to seek forgiveness.

This is hard because it reminds us we have messed up.

Jesus is coming again—be ready!

This is our hope.