Thank You for our chat this morning, Father, as I warmed up my bus. It is of great comfort to know with the utmost of certainty that You are with me always and forever.
Mark 1:1-3 (<<click to read the passage)
“Clear the road for him!” v3c
Several years ago we had a severe ice storm (We actually lost power for a week!) and we have family that lives back a lane through a heavily wooded area. When that storm came through it covered the many saplings along their drive with a thick layer of ice – so much so that they bent with the weight and made their drive impassible! Our family was called into action and we all headed down with our chainsaws to help. They cleared from their home out and we cleared from the road in! My father-in-law mentions that every time we go out to their place – it was quite the experience for us all!
In these opening verses of his Gospel, of course, Mark is quoting a passage from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Rightly so, he is applying the text to Jesus’ precursor, John the Baptist and his efforts at preparing “the way for the Lord’s coming”.
John the Baptist had an extremely important role to play but don’t you think we have a responsibility of being Jesus’ “road crew” today, as well? How much debris blocks people from understanding who Jesus is? My study Bible makes it pretty clear,
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. People who do not know Jesus need to be prepared to meet him. We can “prepare the way“ by explaining their need for forgiveness, demonstrating Christ’s teaching by our conduct, and telling them how Christ can give their lives meaning. We can “clear the road for him” by correcting misconceptions that might be hindering people from approaching Christ. Someone you know may be open to a relationship with Christ. What can you do to prepare the way for this person?
Lord Jesus, may I diligently clear the road for You in all my words and actions! Amen.
January 7th, 2019, Mon, 11:22 am
