Verse: Matthew 3:1-3
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”
Devotion
John the Baptist is preaching to prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus in Israel, and eventually the world. When I read this though, I always think about my life. What am I doing to prepare the way for the Lord in my life? What am I doing to make straight paths for him in my life?
It's easy to want to be closer to God, to understand his word more, to hear his voice more, to sense his leading...but what am I doing to make that more of a reality in my life today?
How can I "prepare the way" for him in my life? You know where I'm going with this :) What practices can I adopt in my life that will create space for him? Are their rhythms of prayer and Bible reading, devotion, silence and solitude that I can adopt that will make it more likely for me to encounter Jesus on a regular basis?
And how can I "make straight paths for him" in my life? Are there obstacles to Jesus in my life? (Boulders on the path if you will.) What can I do remove those obstacles? Maybe I've been spending too much time on my phone and it's becoming a hindrance? Maybe I've been nursing a grudge, or holding onto some unforgiveness. It could be any number of things that stand in the way of me really enjoying a meaningful connection with Jesus. So what can I do to remove those obstacles?
Jesus wants to know you, spend time with you, and be with you. Will you prepare the way for him in your life and in your heart?