Advent 2001 -2 Prepare the Way of the Lord

Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5; John 1:19-28

3 A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)

I.   A time to be Comforted

     A.  A time to speak to the Heart

           1.  Speak to sooth Jerusalem’s wounded heart

                 a.  The message is comfort/consolation

                 b.  It’s good news from the beginning

           2.  Speak gently (lit. to her heart)

                 a.  Not just speaking the truth

                 b.  Speaking truth heart to heart

                 c.  Respect her delicateness/vulnerability

     B.  A time of Punishment for sin is over

           1.  Israel was punished for her sin by captivity

                 a.  Because Israel chased after other gods

                 b.  Captives in Babylon & Persian empires

                 c.  Then by the Romans

           2.  God has paid “double” for her sin

                 a.  Not that God got carried away!

                 b.  Through Jesus it’s more than paid for!

           3.  The time of punishment is officially over!

                 a.  No more punishment.

                 b.  They get their Get Out of Jail Free card

II.  A time of Expectation

     A.  A time to Prepare the way

           1.  God left Jerusalem in the captivity (Ez11:23)

                 a.  His glory left

                 b.  God’s favor, protection had left them.

           2.  Now He’s coming back!

           3.  Make a road in the desert

     B.  A time to Repair the way

           1.  Level out the hills; fill in the holes

           2.  Give the King a smooth ride home

                 a.  the best you can

           3.  Remove every possible obstacle

                 a.  Speed His way home!

     C.  A time to be Ready

           1.  Are you ready for His coming?

           2.  Get yourself ready to meet your King

III. A time when God Shows Himself

     A.  A time of revealed Glory

           1.  God always appears gloriously!

           2.  God reveals His glory in dark places

           3.  He showed up in a barn to shepherds!

     B.  A time of Universal importance

           1.  All mankind together will see it

           2.  We all need to see it

     C.  A time for utter Humility

           1.  We aren’t worthy to untie his dirty sandals

                 a.  He is that glorious!

           2.  He doesn’t come because we are so great

           3.  He comes because we are so needy.

The Bottom Line:

.