It’s been one of those days, Father. I am weary of body, mind, and soul. Please guide and direct us in all we think, say, and do. May You control every aspect of it. We fall into Your hands of love, mercy, and wisdom. Amen.

John 1:19-28 (<<click here to read the passage)

Early in our marriage, I served as an associate pastor in southern Ohio. We lived in a simple duplex that sat behind a ranch-style home. Karen at one point was invited into the home and was shocked to find that it was so full of piled-high “stuff” that there was but a single path through a good part of the main living area!

Today we would think of them as hoarders. Many are held captive by that lifestyle. I see homes on my bus route where people of the same mindset live. We have extended family that at one point lived that way as well.

If someone of great importance to them were to say they were coming to visit them in their home, there would have to be an overwhelming amount of work for their visitors to even get into the house! Much more so for them to make it presentable for their guests.

Many people struggle in the same way when it comes to their souls. The clutter of the world and its many vices are piled high in their lives. When someone attempts to introduce them to Jesus they are just overwhelmed! They may realize their need for meeting Him but the work they would have to do to ready their “house” is too great to gain Him entry and they balk at the idea.

In today’s passage, John the Baptist, when asked who he was, right away said, “I am not the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed)! v20b

When pressed further, he also denied being Elijah or the [promised] Prophet. v21

The nation of Israel was eagerly expecting all of these characters but finally, in response to the religious leader’s query, John proclaimed,

“I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” v23 (quoting Isaiah 40:3)

My study Bible* points out that the religious leaders were demanding to know who John was, but John’s emphasis lay only in proclaiming why he had come! “Alright, boys! It’s time to clean house! There’s too much clutter!”

The [the preeminent One] – that is the expected Messiah! – was even then standing among them. But they did not recognize Him and though they thought they knew it all, knew nothing of Him whatsoever! v26

John was there at that moment in time specifically to ready the world for Jesus’ arrival. He was literally shouting in the wilderness for them to ready themselves for His coming. He’s not what you think. He’s really way beyond what you think He will be, but we’ve got to start somewhere…right?

Yes, it’s a starting point but in the bigger picture what we must grasp is that we have to accept what Jesus has come to do but He in His greatness will take care of cleaning our “house”. If there is any point of contention in the process it will be us letting Him do what needs to be done. So many things are deeply embedded into our hearts and minds and eliminating those things at the very least is uncomfortable and at most, it can be heart-wrenching.

Most importantly we must realize that He is there, not to hurt us, but to help us. He loves us beyond anything we can comprehend and has only our best interests in mind. Even those of us who have followed Him for many years can require a good “house” cleaning. As any homeowner can tell you, things often accumulate, and to regain use of our garage or that spare room, some hard decisions may have to be made.

Lord Jesus, help us not shy away from Your work in our lives. May we give ourselves over to Your will for our lives for Father knows best! Amen!

*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation

Feb 28th, 2021, Sun, 7:57 pm