Getting sorted to meet Jesus

Luke 3: 5 “Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.”

John uses Isaiah in preparation for the coming of Jesus with imagery all too familiar at that time, making the way for the king. It still happens today when escorting officials and royalty. A fleet of cars would go ahead and clear the road so that the important car can come through.

John calls people back to the wilderness, the place all too familiar in Israel’s story where they met with God and He provided and protected them. The message is symbolic:

The poor are to be lifted.

The proud brought down.

The dishonest changed.

The harsh becoming mild.

The Church needs to hear this loud and clear.

Let’s make it easier for people to meet Jesus not harder.

There are those who think they would not be welcome in Church because of their life and what has happened. They need to be given a hand and lifted up from that lowly place of unacceptance.

There are those who think themselves too lofty and full of their own success and righteous achievement. They need to be given a hand to bring them down into humility.

There are those whose lives are a web of brokenness, twisted stories and complexities. They need a hand to counsel, to hold accountable and to help them live simpler, uncomplicated lives.

There are those that are rude and harsh in their comments. They need a hand to smooth out their hurt or disappointments that cause such obstacles.

Everyone accepted and everyone helped to get ready to meet Jesus.