Nov. 29: Prepare the way of the Lord
DEVOTIONAL:
I have a friend named Felisa who stands at 4-foot-nothing, has a third-grade education and twice a week prepares a three-course feast for women who prostitute in Bolivia.
One day during our devotional time together, she offered this reflection on Matthew 3:
And so John the Baptist came, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 40, making way for the Lord to come. And maybe it is with us, that if we cry out, we too will open caminos for God to enter the places and lives of our friends who prostitute. Maybe it is our job to clamor, to call, preparing the way for Christ to come here.
Maybe it is with us…
The day I left Bolivia, I presented my dear friend Vivi a machete. Te toca, I told her, “your turn.” Not a typical sentimental collectible, but she understood. On behalf of the women, the children, the kingdom, make way…
I know a student leader who walked the halls early on a Sunday morning in August as new students were on their way to Goshen College. He prayed over and into these cell-sanctuaries we call home. On behalf of the new, the uncertain, the hopeful, make way…
I know students who everyday fight the anxiety and the loneliness and the addictions within themselves. On behalf of the fear, the desperation, the grip, make way…
We cry. Sometimes alone, sometimes together. Sometimes for ourselves, sometimes on behalf of another. Sometimes silently and sometimes right out loud. Come, Lord Jesus, Little Baby King, come. To me. To us. To another.
God has placed us all in unique locations at unique times to serve out His purposes. May we all carry a “machete” with us as we look for opportunities to make way for the “Lord.”
It is often through our actions and our involvement in the lives of others that they see Jesus. After they ‘see’ Him in us, are they ready to hear the unending love story. The light of Jesus in each believer is the lamp for those who are searching.
Thank you for presenting the question; “how am I helping to prepare the way” in my corner of the world?
That’s very wise of you, Heather. Can’t wait to see you this Friday!!!
Beautiful. Inspiring. Yes, LORD, Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven….more and more thru each of us that know You….and in this season open doors for us to let that Kingdom been seen. Amen.
Beautiful! Thank you so much!
Nicely done. Maybe the difference between John the Baptist and ourselves is that he knew he needed to make way and he knew he could..
Heather, you’ve hit the nail right on its head. It’s about us, making way for Christ’s light, as we ourselves hold tight to his hand.
If God is for us who can be against us! Make way Lord Jesus, yes make way! May the Lord make His way my way, every day. Let us sing of His glory throughout all of the earth; Let us rejoice and hail praises to the King for today is the day of salvation!
I like this a lot – thanks for sharing.
Heather – The challenge and freshness of God in your writing is again evident. Thank you.
Heather, powerful illustrations! You clearly have stories and perspectives more us of need to hear. Thanks for writing.
Heather – Would you please comment a bit more on your choice of a machete for a gift and your parting words of ‘your turn’? I received the symbolism very powerfully, but don’t want to read more into your statement than you intended. Thanks, Jon
A powerful message. Thanks for sharing!
am applying in your school goschen pless i will like to know you more so to help me for my addimissino. ngchigozie@yahoo.com.am from nigeria.