Prepare the Way of the Lord
Rev. Tse Amable | December 22 2024 | Isaiah 40:1-5
KEY VERSE:
“A voice of one who cries: PREPARE IN THE WILDERNESS THE WAY OF THE LORD [CLEAR AWAY THE OBSTACLES]; MAKE STRAIGHT AND SMOOTH IN THE DESERT A HIGHWAY FOR OUR GOD!” Isaiah 40:3 (AMP)
MESSAGE:
In this 40th chapter of the book of Prophet Isaiah, the Lord also spoke about the coming of the Messiah through Prophet Isaiah. For centuries, the people of God have held on to this prophecy and longed for its fulfilment. Jesus of Nazareth was that promised Messiah. That is why John, the Baptist, the forerunner of the Christ Jehovah sent to prepare the way for the Messiah, began his ministry by quoting this prophecy of Prophet Isaiah (see Mark 1:3).
When you are about to receive an august (a very special and important) visitor in your home, you make feverish preparations. You clean up the guest room, stock your fridge and store it with food, drinks, etc. You do what you can in order to receive this important guest and to make his stay with you an enjoyable one for both of you.
The word of God is telling you that the Lord, the King of kings, is coming again. That is why on the Christian calendar, the 4-week period starting from the 4th Sunday before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve is known as ADVENT (from Latin “ADVENTUS” meaning "ARRIVAL” or “APPEARANCE". It is dedicated to anticipating the arrival of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah and King. We celebrate this season with reflections on hope, peace, love, and joy with a focus on the hope-filled return of Jesus Christ, our King Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God.
Hear the word of the Lord:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you” Zechariah 9:9 (NASB)
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you believe that the return of Jesus Christ is very imminent? What preparations are you making to receive him?
PRAYER:
Make the words of this hymn your prayer:
O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
And bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
And turn our darkness into light.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: PREPARE
The word prepare in Isaiah 40:3 comes from the Hebrew root "פָּנָה" (panah), meaning "to turn," "clear away," or "make ready." It emphasizes the act of removing obstacles to create a smooth and accessible path.
This concept of preparation is set within a wilderness—a metaphor for challenging and desolate places. Isaiah 40:3 prophetically points to John the Baptist, who called for repentance and readiness for the coming of Jesus, as echoed in Mark 1:3. His message underscores both inner transformation through repentance and outward demonstration of faith. Believers are also called to be forerunners, clearing paths for others to meet Christ.
Reflection:
Have you prepared your heart for the Lord’s coming? What steps can you take to help others encounter the risen Savior?
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