Ponder: Getting ready for the coming of Jesus.
Scripture: “who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:8).
Signs are everywhere: Road Construction Next ___ Miles; Detour; Reduced Speed Ahead; Do Not Pass. Ah, the joys of road construction! But, if we want to drive on smooth, wide highways, we must tolerate the inconvenience of construction and repair.
In a way, John the Baptist was in the road construction business. As Jesus’ forerunner, he was “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, And every mountain and hill brought low; And the crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough ways made smooth’” (Luke 3:4-6, quoting Isaiah 40:3-5).
In ancient times, a king traveling through a wilderness sent his herald ahead to prepare a road. Numerous slaves would fill in the low places, cut down the hills, straighten the curves, and smooth the rough spots. John’s job, of course, was to prepare people’s hearts for the coming of King Jesus. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).
John  had plenty to do. Mountains of pride must be brought low. He rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees: “Brood of vipers! Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones” (Matthew 3:7-9).
Valleys of need called for filling; care for the unfortunate was required of all who were able (Luke 3:11).
Crooked behaviors had to be straightened; John ordered the tax collectors, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you” (Luke 3:13).
And rough, abusive behavior required smoothing; John warned the soldiers, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14).
How is the highway of your heart? Does a mountain of pride separate you from the Lord? Bring it low, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Or is it a valley of despair and depression? “Strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” (Hebrews 12:12). Is there crookedness of any kind? “Make straight the paths for your feet” (Hebrews 12:13). Maybe your road is rough. Smooth it out – “Let your gentleness be known to all men” (Philippians 4:5).
The King is coming! Let’s do some road construction!
Song: “There’s a Great Day Coming”
Prayer: Father, we thank you for Jesus our Savior Who came to save us. Help us to prepare our hearts for His return, whenever You choose for that day to be. In His name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)