Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Preparing the Way for Christ


Abraham Mammen
Epiphany MTC, NY
7 let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.


The people who are engaged in the hard work of making new trails in a green forest will admit that it is a fulfilling job indeed. However, preparing a way in the desert is even tougher. The rocky terrain will hardly budge for the tools and equipment of that age. There are no shades available for the builder to protect himself from the onslaught of the fierce desert sun. The scarcity of water makes it even harder to sustain a long-term project. Prophet Isaiah has the Judean desert in view as he is talking about the preparation of the way.
 
The Lord, through His prophet is demanding that His people start building a path for the Him. The same words are reiterated by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3). The Lord wants to dwell with His chosen people. However, the people as they did in the past have closed themselves in the wilderness of their sins. It is an urgent call by the Lord through His prophets because without His presence in their midst, the people will soon perish in their sins.
 
How is this path prepared? According to John the Baptist, it can be done only through repentance.
The Lord is not available always at our beck and call. The prophet warns us to “seek the Lord while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6). Again, “ …now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The Bible clearly teaches that we should not speculate with the time or need for our salvation. On the other hand, the Lord promises abundant pardon for those who truly repent (Isaiah 55:7).  The prophet goes on to describe the joyful bliss of living in Lord’s protection and care.

Do you want to be in the presence of the Lord at all times? Repent of your sins and sincerely pray so that the Holy Spirit will shatter the impediments and bring the true ‘Light’ into your lives. Once this path is secure for the Lord, He will use it to make pathways to those around you. It is an ever continuing process till the Kingdom of Heaven is fully established on this earth.


PRAYER


Dear Lord, help us to build pathways for you in difficult places through repentance and obedience so that we can enjoy the sweetness of your presence all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Are we prepared to be trailblazers for the Lord?

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