“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’”
(verses 4-6)
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This prophecy, from Isaiah 40, gives John the Baptist his mandate: preparing the way for the Lord, which in essence means preparing the hearts of people.
The image behind the mandate comes from the regular practice in the ancient world of sending an advance-team ahead of the monarch to refresh and restore the roadways for his journey. Here, based on Isaiah’s word, the work is major.
As I write, I am looking out on the spectacular view in Whistler, BC, snow-dusted mountains rising high against blue skies, us nestled on the sides of the valley where the road from Vancouver twists and turns over many miles before arriving safely at this destination. Isaiah envisions all such roads straightened out, valleys filled in, jagged peaks bulldozed. The way, once rough and twisted, is to be made simple and direct and smooth. Open access to the fullness of the Lord’s salvation – that’s the goal. To accomplish such work requires a massive overhaul.
This road, requiring such major work, runs through human hearts – that’s where this “heavy lifting” must be carried out. To do it, John preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” The call to “repent” is strong and severe. Of course. It has to be in order to accomplish such major transformation of the landscape.
And yet, “repent,” while hard-edged, is actually a word of gracious invitation. It’s God’s open door into new life. To leave behind what is sullied and tainted and infected, and to step instead into what is fresh and cleansed and life-giving. “Repent” means to have a change of mind that leads to a change of behaviour. It’s a turning away from the old and embracing the new, turning away from self-directed living and turning to squarely face the living Lord, embracing his will.
Such repentance is crucial at the beginning of life in Christ. It’s also crucial ever after. “Repent” continues to be major work. “Repent”is always gracious invitation. It continues to come as complete surprise. Always, it’s rooted in grace.
Make straight the roads. Level the impediments. Smooth the path. Follow the Lord.
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Dear Lord, I hear your word, “Repent” – I receive it again, with hope. Thank you for your grace. Thank you that you are never surprised by my need. Thank you that you care to see this work done. Thank you that the heavy lifting is never beyond your resources. Prepare my heart for more of you.
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Reflect:
Hearing this word today, what road needs to be straightened in your own heart?
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