Sunday, December 5

Luke 3:1-6

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, …’”

In ancient times when a king was planning to visit a city, he would often send a herald ahead to prepare the people for his arrival. The herald would go to the city leaders telling them, “The king is coming. Make sure you are in obedience to his commands.” He would also inspect the city, making sure the city was clean and the roads were smooth and straight, fit for the king to ride through.

In Luke 3, John the Baptist is the appointed herald making the way for the king, Jesus Christ. He is calling for the people to repent, making their heart’s and mind’s paths smooth and straight in preparation for the Lord.

Just like John, a man of little importance and recognition, God often picks the unknown to smooth the path for his arrival. Do not feel like you have to be somebody well known and of great influence to be used by God.

Open your hearts and minds to hear God’s desires on how he wishes to straighten your crooked paths and smooth out rough ways to bring you and others closer to His love, have a fuller life in this world, and prepare for His return.

A prayer for guidance: O Lord, help me to trust you with my decisions and my future. I know that you will direct my paths and I can have confidence that your direction is always the best way to go. Hear my prayer, Father. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

-Terry McGlaughlin